SHOPPERS in Reading have been warned to steer clear of fake festive bargains on sale from dodgy dealers.
With just two weeks until Christmas Day, the Council’s Trading Standards team has also warned of a rise in loan sharks targeting desperate families.
The team has received several reports of pedlars and pop up stalls selling fake perfume and aftershave out of shopping bags. The goods, which have been confirmed as fake, contain unknown ingredients which could be a health hazard.
A similar warning has also been given about purchasing unsafe toys which contain dangerous and toxic materials banned from sale in Britain.
The British Toy and Hobby Association has revealed that nearly half of the toys purchased from third-party sellers via online marketplaces were unsafe for children. A randomly selected batch of 255 toys which were inspected showed 88% were illegal to sell in the UK, and 48% were unsafe.
Online shoppers are advised to carefully research sellers to know if they are buying directly from an online platform or a third-party seller and to ensure the seller provides a name and address for future contact.
Cllr Ruth McEwan, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Corporate and Consumer Services, warned: “Please always be vigilant, especially this Christmas. We know the last 18 months have been particularly tough because of the pandemic and many people may be facing a difficult Christmas financially.
“With money tight, it can be incredibly tempting to buy what looks like genuine bargain goods from sellers on the street and online. But the clear message we want to send out is to be on guard – these products may be cheap – but you have no guarantee of their quality. At best you may be disappointed with the quality – at worst they could be dangerous to you and your family. It really isn’t worth the risk.”
Research shows that Christmas is the second highest reason that people borrow money from loan sharks. Families are being warned not to turn to predatory loan sharks charging excessive amounts of interest if they are facing financial hardship over Christmas.
Cllr McEwan added: “These unscrupulous sharks prey on the most vulnerable in society. No matter how much you are struggling financially, loan sharks are never the answer.
“Remember, you can report these criminals in the strictest confidence and action will be taken. I urge people in desperate situations to speak to their local Citizen’s Advice Bureau for advice, rather than getting themselves into deep water with a rogue lender.
“You should also check you are getting all the financial support you are entitled to.”
More details can be found on the Council’s website www.reading.gov.uk/housing/benefits-and-assistance/debt-advice For consumer advice or to report unsafe products call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.
