A REMINDER has gone out to Christmas shoppers in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area to be vigilant against fake goods on the market in the run-up to the big day.

Fife’s Trading Standards team are issuing the advice following recent seizures of counterfeit goods including clothing, footwear, handbags, make-up, perfume and electrical goods.

Amongst the goods seized were products posing as genuine items from high value brands such as Adidas, Nike, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Stone Island, Chanel, Michael Kors, MAC and GHD.

If you are busily shopping it is possible you could possibly not take time to double check something you are going to buy and end up with something which turns out to be fake.

So take your time and make sure what you buy is genuine.

Dawn Adamson, Service Manager, explains: “During the Christmas period, we can rush into making a quick decision when buying gifts and it’s easy to be tricked into purchasing what appears to be a bargain, but turns out to be poor quality fake goods.

“We are commonly seeing fake products being sold cheaply on social media sites.

"Remember, sellers dealing in counterfeit goods are criminals. The National Crime Agency estimates that counterfeit goods costs the UK economy around £1.3 billion a year in lost profits and taxes.

"It’s widely reported that profits made from counterfeit sales can go on to fund larger criminal operations, including organised crime and even terrorism".

Dawn added: “Cheap electrical devices including hair dryers and straighteners or anything requiring a USB connection can pose a serious threat.

"Such products will not meet required safety standards, putting you and your family at significant risk.

"We’re seeing an increase in fake cosmetics nationally, which can contain lead, copper, mercury, arsenic or cadmium and can cause swelling, rashes and poisoning. The message is simple: Don’t buy fakes, they are not a bargain and aren’t worth the risk”.

Anyone who has information on the sale or distribution of counterfeit goods in Fife can report it to Trading Standards online at www.fifedirect.org.uk/tradingstandards.

Consumer advice is provided by Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 040506 or at www.adviceguide.org.uk/scotland where you can also make an online complaint or enquiry.