Did you know...

If you choose counterfeit goods,

there are likely consequences.

Consequences:

Risk of serious or fatal injury
Supports slave labour
Funds organised crime
Damages public services
Committing a crime yourself
Undue pressure on police, customs, courts & on Trading Standards teams
Supports tax evasion

Above: Collection of seized fake watches.

Key statistics

98% of counterfeit phone chargers are extremely dangerous.^*

34% of all counterfeit goods from border seizures have the potential to harm consumers.^**

A global operation ‘Pangea’, involving 116 countries, ‘has led to 859 arrests and seizures of items worth £10.9 million.^***

* Electrical Safety First
** EU Customs report (2018)
*** Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)

What can you do?

FOUR WAYS to spot fake goods BEFORE you buY.

Before buying from an unofficial seller or website, you should always remember ‘the 4 Ps’:

#1: THE PRICE - Too good to be true?

It's probably the reason that the item caught your eye in the first place. It is perhaps the most obvious sign of a fake. And if the price is too good to be true, then it probably is.

#2: THE PRODUCT - As good as you’d expect?

Look out for fake versions of well-known brands and be wary of unusual brand names you haven’t seen before. Do what you can to compare what you are buying to the real thing. Quite often fakes are slightly different to the actual real goods. A quick check with an internet picture often answers this question. And if you're buying in person, be sure to feel the physical quality of the goods.

#3: THE PACKAGING - Any tell-tale errors?

Look out for poor quality labelling, including spelling mistakes and poor grammar. Also, ensure that any leaflets or instructions are free from errors and match the product.

#4: THE PLACE - Legitimate or suspicious?

Always buy from a reputable location and stockist (incl. Internet sites & platforms) or a duty-free outlet; local markets are not official sales channels of high-end products. When buying online, check that it is a licensed seller and that the product description actually states that it is an original.

Protect yourself and others from the consequences of counterfeit.

Apart from the risks to yourself, you also run a high risk of supporting organised crime, tax evasion and the exploitation of workers (often children).

What next?

VISIT OUR SHOP FRONT at 50 NEW BOND STREET in London

Want to learn more about the danger of fakes?

learn more

Looking to report counterfeit goods in the UK?
Then immediately contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133

READY FOR 'THE INSIDE STORY'?
AT 50 NEW BOND STREET

VISITS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
wow@house-of-fakes.org.uk

About Datio

The House Of Fakes website has been created by DATIO. Established with the aim of fostering community development, DATIO is dedicated to bridging the gap between landlords with empty properties and charitable organisations in need of space. We also partner with Trading Standards in the fight against counterfeit goods.