Guidance

The effect of counterfeit goods

Published 19 December 2022

© Crown copyright 2022

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/meta-counterfeit-and-piracy-campaign/the-effect-of-counterfeit-goods

Buying fake counterfeit goods

Have you ordered a product online only to find out that you unknowingly bought a fake?

Social media has revolutionised our lives in a short space of time. It connects us to friends and family and bring us closer to our favourite brands and hobbies/interests. But when people come together for good, others may see an opportunity to cause harm. Unfortunately, those that wish to cause us harm can exploit you and take advantage of your trust.

We know that many of us may purchase goods based on endorsements from social media influencers but it’s important to remember that just because the item has been recommended by a person we follow online, doesn’t mean it will be a genuine product.

So, when you buy a fake product (often called counterfeit), you might get more than you bargained for. You may have unwittingly shared personal data that could be used in criminal activities.

Protecting yourself from buying fakes

To keep you, and your personal data safe online and on social media, consider our seven top tips to avoid buying fake goods:

  1. Heavily discounted goods and flash sales encourage you to buy without careful consideration.
  2. Lots of updates and content published, but with little engagement with members is a danger sign.
  3. Are you request to disclose sensitive information or transfer money?
  4. Links being shared constantly in short periods of time.
  5. Account without verification or authentication signs.
  6. Fake profiles can contain original brand names – if in doubt check the brand website and click back through to their social media account.
  7. Social media advertisements with link to fake websites offering flash sales.

What can you do?

If you see these goods being offered for sale, tell Crimestoppers exactly what you know, and they will pass this on to the appropriate organisation for investigation. All information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you see content being shared via a live post on social media, you can report by clicking the 3 dots at the top, right-hand side of the post.

Further reading

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