Fakes and counterfeit goods

The common problems found with fake or counterfeit goods are:

  • clothes can come apart in the wash or the colour can run over your other clothes in the wash or even leave marks on your furniture 
  • perfumes and aftershaves can be watered down which means the smell is weak (some even contain chemicals that can cause skin irritation or even burn you) 
  • cosmetics can be mixed with cheaper products some which you would never expect to find in cosmetics (these can cause skin irritation and burns)
  • fake alcohol can be fatal. It can contain industrial alcohol used for cleaning (which is toxic for humans)

If you would like to report someone you suspect is making or selling counterfeits (fake goods), then you can report this to the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.