We warn ‘fake fashion’ is never a good deal as fraudsters target unaware bargain hunters

Clothing brands sold for a bargain not being such a good deal, is the focus of a new campaign launched by our charity as we flag signs to spot that something may be fake.

Counterfeit footwear, clothing and accessories are often made from low-quality materials and are not as durable as genuine brands. They could contain hazardous chemicals and metals which can cause serious long-term damage to health.

When you buy ‘fake fashion’, you are supporting illegal and criminal activities, such as child and forced labour, and contributing to a dangerous underground economy, which can include drug smuggling, serious violence and dangerous working conditions, leading in the most serious cases to death.

You may be tempted to get your favourite brand at a fraction of the cost from an unofficial store, or you could think you are saving money and getting a good deal, however the charity is reminding people that fake fashion could be hurting more than your wallet in the long run.

Social media is being used by criminals to exploit consumers by selling fake products online – goods which are often dangerous to public health and damaging to employment, the economy and society as a whole.

find out more about our new 'fake fashion' campaign

Do you know who's sourcing and selling fake goods? You can tell Crimestoppers what you know, and remain 100% anonymous - guaranteed. No one will ever know that you got in touch with our charity, which is independent of the police.

Call free on 0800 555 111, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, or fill in our quick and easy anonymous online form, here on our website.

We are independent of the police and take crime information whilst protecting everyone who contacts us with total anonymity. That means no personal information, such as names and contact details, are ever asked for or stored. The information we receive is then passed on to the relevant police or law enforcement agencies with no comeback. 

Spotting the signs of fake fashion:

1. Low price 
   A very low price is the most common giveaway. If it looks too good to be true, that’s because it probably is.
2. Stitching 
   Genuine brands put effort into their craftsmanship. If a product is authentic, the stitching will appear much cleaner, straighter and more uniform. There will be more stiches per square inch. Fake items have less stitching, and the lines won’t appear as straight or uniform.
3. Fabric 
   Regardless of the type of fabric used, brands will source quality materials. Fake fashion will use low-quality materials, faux leather, or even materials treated with harmful and dangerous chemicals. 
4. Spelling
   Check for spelling errors. Look at the logo to see if the brand name is spelled correctly and check the inside labels. Remember, even if a product claims to be ‘100% genuine’, it may not necessarily be.
5. Logo
   Logos on genuine or designer brands should look perfect. There should be no imperfections, discrepancies or missing details from the company name or logo. Fake goods may miss the logo entirely, or will look cheaply put together.

Spotting genuine products:

1. User reviews
   Trusted websites will have verified user reviews, sometimes with pictures and videos too. Use these to get customer feedback on products.
2. Legitimate resellers
   Make sure that you're buying from a licensed stockist. Reputable brands often display links to websites where you can buy their products.

“Not only are these counterfeit products made from low-quality materials, they can contain chemicals that are harmful to your skin, which can trigger allergic reactions and cause skin irritation - and the materials themselves can even catch fire more easily, which puts you or your loved ones at unnecessary risk.  
 

“With the cost-of-living crisis, we’re encouraging people not to be tempted into buying fake goods in the hope of saving some money. Initially, people think they’ve bagged a bargain, but buying fake goods costs more than you think. There’s always a victim, from exploited workers and economic loss, to the physical harm caused.
 
“Those involved in producing counterfeit goods are becoming increasingly skillful at finding new ways of ripping people off. Do you know who's selling and sourcing fake fashion? Tell Crimestoppers what you know, 100 per cent anonymously.
 
“Our charity has kept its promise of anonymity for over three decades and exists to ensure that everyone is empowered to speak up and stop crime, safe in the knowledge that their identity is protected. Complete our simple anonymous online form or call freephone 0800 555 111, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Nobody will know you contacted us, only you.”
 
David Crawley, Crimestoppers Director of Development

This campaign is being run in partnership with the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU), the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and supported by Amazon. This is the second phase of a year-long national campaign, which offers useful signs to spot that a product is fake. The first phase of the campaign covered counterfeit beauty products.