'˜Facebook fakes' crackdown by Lincolnshire Trading Standards

Last week, Lincolnshire Trading Standards and Lincolnshire Police raided the home of a Facebook seller in the county - and they are warning online buyers to be wary when making purchases online.
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After gathering evidence to show that fake and counterfeit goods were being sold from the property, officers worked together to execute their warrant.

Officers recovered clothing and footwear bearing various trademarks, a quantity of possible counterfeit cigarettes, electronic tablets and a number of mobile phones.

Although not found at the property, the culprit’s Facebook page also ­advertised GHD hair straighteners, MAC make-up, bags and perfume. The cheap prices indicated they were not genuine.

Joanne Hocking, senior trading standards officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We don’t take this type of crime lightly. Our message is simple – if you are selling fake goods on Facebook or on other social media sites, we will catch you!

“Our advice to consumers is that if you are in a Facebook group of ‘things for sale in Lincoln’, ‘films for sale in Boston’ etc., please don’t assume that you are getting a bargain from a chap down the road who has some goods to sell.

“Please be cautious, as ultimately the people behind shipping in these goods in bulk are organised gangs and the money filters through to activities like ­prostitution, guns and drugs.

“Ultimately – think before you buy. If something seems too good to be true – it probably is!”

• If you see any counterfeit goods for sale, contact Citizens Advice on 03454 04 05 06