The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has uploaded a series of videos urging consumers to be on the lookout for counterfeit goods ahead of Christmas.
The12 Fake Days of Christmas videos, which come as part of the UKIPO’s ‘Buy Real’ campaign, encourage Britons to be cautious of the warning signs that products might be fake.
It says that consumers “on the lookout for the very best deal” are often easily caught out – and wind up buying fake items by mistake.
This is particularly problematic in the internet age of last-minute, low-price deals which often appear across suspicious-looking websites around Christmas time.
Figures from the UKIPO’s latest IP crime and enforcement report suggest that counterfeit goods are growing increasingly common in the UK.
According to the report, more than two million ‘suspected infringing’ items were detained at the UK external border in the 2016/17 financial year alone.
One particular operation involved more than 80,000 counterfeit items worth more than £3 million in potential fraudulent sales, the report reveals.
Ahead of the festive season, the UKIPO is trying to raise awareness of the problem.
“Fraudsters sell fake goods using the intellectual property (IP) of legitimate businesses, to make a profit. They don’t care about meeting safety standards and they certainly don’t care about ruining your Christmas,” it says.
“It’s always important to remember the risks of buying fake goods. Especially as counterfeit items can bring more than disappointment,” it adds.
The UKIPO’s 12 Fake Days of Christmas videos can be accessed on YouTube here. Further advice from the UKIPO on how to spot fake goods is also available here.