The effect of counterfeit goods
Updated 21 November 2024
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Protect yourself from buying fakes
Have you ordered a product online or bought something from the high street only to find out later that it was a fake?
The rapid growth of online shopping has increased consumers’ choice and access to goods online. This has led to consumers turning to major online marketplaces including Alibaba, Amazon, eBay and Facebook to buy everyday goods with counterfeit goods often presented on these sites in ways that can easily mislead consumers.
Many of us may purchase goods based on recommendations from social media influencers or eye catching displays on the high street. But remember, just because the item recommended by someone we follow online or a store we visit is promoting it, that, doesn’t guarantee its a genuine product.
So, when you buy a fake product (often called counterfeit), you might get more than you bargained for. The product may be faulty, made of poor-quality materials and may not comply with safety standards. You may also have unknowingly shared personal data that could be used in criminal activities.
Spot the signs: How to identify fake goods online
To keep you, and your personal data safe online or in person, consider these signs common to fake goods:
- Heavily discounted goods and flash sales encourage you to buy without careful consideration.
- Lots of updates and content published on social media groups, but with little engagement with members is a danger sign.
- Have you been asked to disclose sensitive information or transfer money?
- Links being shared constantly in short periods of time.
- Account without verification or authentication signs.
- Fake profiles can contain original brand names – if in doubt check the brand website and click back through to their social media account.
- Social media advertisements with link to fake websites offering flash sales.
What can you do?
If you see these goods being offered for sale, whether on a website, social media post or on the high street, 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.