Pupils To Learn About The Dangers Of Counterfeit Goods

The potentially fatal dangers of counterfeit goods are to be outlined to young people as part of the Trading Standards Institute’s (TSI) National Consumer Week, which begins on Monday, November 21.

Teachers and other education professionals are being offered a pack produced on behalf of the TSI by the Consumer Education Liaison Group to advise students about fake products.

 With tools including teachers’ notes, activities and handouts, students will learn what is meant by counterfeit goods, as well as their rights as consumers and the consequences of buying fake products – which have previously lead to illness, injury and even death. 

“It has been shown that younger people are more likely to have a carefree attitude to buying goods online, so they really need to be aware of the warning signs when making purchases over the Internet, for example.”

She added: “Money is tight for us all at the moment, particularly for younger people. So its really important that they don’t end up out of pocket through buying counterfeit products. By making ourselves aware of the warning signs, we can all protect ourselves from the blight of fake goods.”

Through the teachers’ pack, students will become aware of where counterfeit goods are primarily sold – such as market stalls, street corners and over the Internet.  They will also learn that buying fake goods can have serious consequences, such as counterfeit alcohol which can cause acute liver damage and possibly even blindness.  In these cases, the consumer can be permanently affected.

The pack will also outline the tragic case of Connor O’Keefe.  The seven-year-old died while on holiday in Thailand after being electrocuted by a counterfeit Game Boy charger.  It will also teach pupils that counterfeiting goods can lead to prison sentences of up to ten years and unlimited fines.

 National Consumer Week launches on Monday, November 21 to warn the public about dodgy websites, counterfeit clothing, fake tickets and misdescribed accommodation. 

Ron Gainsford, Chief Executive of TSI, said: “If you are not sure about something, please get advice – if you think something is dodgy, report it. Help us and yourself by using the Trading Standards Institute CHECK list to make sure you don’t end up out of pocket, missing out, or hurt – and also to break the chain of wider crime.” 

The Trading Standards Institute consumer CHECK list to stay safe:

C  Choose your shopping outlets and websites carefully.

H   Help yourself. If the deal is too good to be true then it probably is.

E   Ensure you look for authentic branding and holograms.

C  Contact the authorities if you are concerned.

K   Keep a copy of your order and receipts.