Counterfeit goods (fakes)

Counterfeit goods – often called fakes or copies – are items made or sold without the permission of the brand holder.

You might find them at boot sales, Internet auctions or websites, newspaper adverts, markets, pubs or sold on the street.

Examples of fake goods

Any goods can be copied. They include:

  • clothing such as football shirts, designer clothing, trainers
  • health and beauty products, make-up, perfume, body lotions
  • household items such as detergents, batteries, razors
  • electrical goods including games consoles, camera equipment, chargers, hair straighteners
  • cigarettes and alcohol.

Reasons to avoid fake goods

Fake goods aren't made to the same standard as the genuine product. They don't go through the same quality and safety tests and could be harmful to people who buy or receive them.

Problems could include:

  • cigarettes contain far more toxins and chemicals than genuine cigarettes, making them even more harmful to health
  • alcoholic drinks such as fake vodka may contain methanol, which can lead to blindness
  • electrical products not tested to safety standards could give you an electric shock or catch fire
  • health or beauty products might contain harmful chemicals that cause itching, rashes or even burns.

How to protect yourself from buying fakes

The quality or standard of counterfeit goods varies from very professional to poor, substandard imitations. When buying goods you should consider:

  • looking at the overall quality of the product you are buying (check the quality of printing on labels or boxes)
  • the environment you are buying the item from (you won't find genuine Louis Vuitton handbags on a market stall)
  • checking the website you are using is genuine, not made to look like a company's official site.

To avoid being ripped off online, use the free Brand-i online shopping directory to search for well-known brands and find the genuine online stockists.

Report fake goods

If you think that someone is selling counterfeit goods, please report it by contacting:

Email: stopfakes@eastsussex.gov.uk
Phone: 08454 04 05 06 (Citizens Advice consumer service)

We will need the following information from you:

  • where and when you saw the goods being sold (please be as specific as possible)
  • what the goods were (such as sunglasses, trainers) and their brand name
  • as much as you can tell us about the seller and their premises or vehicle
  • any other information you think may help us (including the price of the goods, why you think the goods are fake).