🎄🔍 Attention Christmas Shoppers! Beware of fake goods lurking this festive season! Counterfeit toys and clothes are top of the list this year, and experts are sharing how to spot them and protect your wallet. 🦉
Citizen’s Advice reports over 1,000 additional complaints this year about counterfeit purchases! Fake goods might mimic the real deal, but they’re illegal and can be hazardous. Think about counterfeit toys with detachable parts that pose choking risks. Scary, right? 😱
🧸 Jane Parsons from Citizens Advice warns: “Watch out for unusually low prices on popular brands, poor quality like missing security seals, fuzzy logos, or shoddy stitching. Stick to reputable sellers to dodge the fakes.” Here’s a quick checklist for common counterfeit items:
– Tobacco and vaping products
– Clothes and shoes
– Toys and games
– Toiletries and perfumes
– Media gadgets and accessories
Bought a dud? Don’t worry! If it’s within 30 days, you could get a full refund. Up to six months, you might get a replacement or refund if the original’s unavailable. After six months, you’ll generally get a partial refund based on usage. Remember, sellers claiming ignorance about fakes are still on the hook legally! 🛍️💪
And for those dodgy buys, act FAST! If you paid via debit card, contact your bank about the ‘chargeback scheme’. Credit card charges under £100? Same scheme. But for purchases £100-£30,000? A Section 75 claim might be your ticket to your money back.
Let’s keep Christmas jolly and safe by reporting counterfeit sellers to Trading Standards. And remember, if you need more assistance, Citizens Advice is there to help you reclaim what’s yours. Stay savvy and shop smart! 🎁✨