A SCAM by another name in other words! However, fake goods can be dangerous.

Take toys for instance; if they don’t meet safety standards, they may pose a choking risk if poor manufacturing mean small parts are easily detachable.

It’s not just toys and games though.

Clothing, footwear, e-cigarettes, perfumes and media devices are among the many ranges of goods that can be faked.

Sometimes it is easy to spot but not always.

Watch out for suspiciously low prices on well-known brands and signs of poor quality. Spelling mistakes in the advert or on packaging are also warning signs.

Compare photographs from official sellers and always try to buy from reputable sellers only.

If you do buy fake goods, you are entitled to a refund within 30 days of purchase.

If it’s been over 30 days but less than 6 months since your purchase, the seller can offer to provide you with a genuine item but if they can’t they are legally obliged to refund in full.

If it’s more than 6 months since the purchase, they are only required to provide a partial refund depending on how long it is since the purchase and how much the item has been used.

A seller may argue that the item was obviously not genuine as it was sold so cheaply but they have still broken the law and the consumer’s legal rights still apply.

If this happens and you paid by debit card, contact your bank and ask to use the “chargeback scheme”.

This also applies if a credit card was used and it cost less than £100.

If the purchase was made by credit card and was for between £100 and £30,000 you can contact the credit card company and ask for a “section 75” claim to get your money back.

To report counterfeit goods or get help getting your money back contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service (citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/if-you-need-more-help-about-a-consumer-issue/).

You can also report the seller to Trading Standards who investigate criminal activity. (citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/report-to-trading-standards/)

This is just one example of the problems that people ask us for help with.

We are a volunteer led charity and demand for our services continues to grow. If you are interested in joining us at CA TNMWD as a volunteer, please contact [email protected] . Full training and ongoing support provided!

Rosanna Teale

CEO and Trustee Support Officer

Citizens Advice

Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon

• For free, confidential, independent and impartial advice call our local (freephone) Adviceline: 0808 27 87 999

If you need help with bills mounting up and are worried about debt, please go here: https://citizensadvicetnmwd.org.uk/debt-and-money-advice/

If you are unsure that you are getting the correct benefits, please go here: https://citizensadviceruraldevon.entitledto.co.uk/home/start