Caithness shoppers urged to be on their guard against fake websites
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SHOPPERS are being warned not to be duped into buying counterfeit sports clothes and equipment from bogus websites.
The warning comes from the Highland Council’s Trading Standards service as part of the National Consumer Week 2011 campaign entitled “good sports don’t fake it”.
The local authority urges shoppers to be careful when considering buying such items as Christmas presents and points out that not all websites are genuine.
As a result many consumers end up losing money by being tricked into buying counterfeit goods from bogus websites.
To try and combat the problem the Trading Standards Institute has linked up with Brand Information Ltd (Brand-i), which was launched in 2011 to combat the increasing number of illegal websites offering fake goods. It directs shoppers to genuine websites for their favourite designers. The address is www.brand-i.org
David MacKenzie, Highland Council trading standards team leader, said: “We regularly receive consumer complaints from residents in the Highlands who unwittingly buy counterfeit goods. As part of National Consumer Week 2011 and in the run-up to Christmas we would encourage consumers to protect themselves by using the “Brand-i” website which lists genuine website addresses for sports goods and equipment.”
Secondary schools in the Highlands have also been encouraged to take part in the campaign. Trading Standards has devised a teacher’s pack which includes discussion points and visual aids for students to use.
Highland residents can also pick up a leaflet at their local library or service point which provides an easy checklist of what to look out for when buying goods online.
In addition, concerned consumers can contact Highland Trading Standards if they suspect that they have bought fake goods.
