Intellectual Property Crime

How to spot a scam!

  • Think about the cost – price is usually a good indicator as to whether goods are likely to be counterfeit.
  • Be wary about buying branded goods particularly online and outside of usual premises.
  • Many counterfeits are difficult to spot but consumers should look out for poor packaging, bad spelling or printing, photocopied instructions and lack of regulatory markings.
  • Online photographs of genuine items can be used to promote items but the delivered goods may well be counterfeit.

Report your suspicions to:

Trading standards at:   

www.economy-ni.gov.uk/topics/consumer-affairs/trading-standards-service