READING Borough Council has released information to help residents avoid getting scammed this Christmas.
It is urging people to to stay safe as it once again lends its support to the Shop Smart Not Shark campaign.
The initiative is a national effort to help people avoid loan sharks, who trap people seeking credit in a cycle of debt, which often results in threats of violence and exorbitant interest rates.
The council is joining efforts to help residents learn how to spot the signs of predatory creditors as well as how to report cases of family or friends being taken advantage of.
Council Trading Standards is warning of several pitfalls people should look out for during Christmas.
These include information about reports of counterfeit goods of all kinds, such as fake toiletries and products, watches and accessories, and particularly counterfeit alcohol.
Ingredients and parts are unknown, with a potential to be unsafe as they do not necessarily adhere to safety regulation.
Residents are advised to check when buying alcohol from pop-up stalls; if it is priced cheaply, check for clues such as poorly-attached labels or spelling mistakes, which are much more prevalent on counterfeit articles.
Cheap and unsafe toys are also entering UK marketplaces, so residents are advised to check products to ensure they meet safety standards.
This includes checking for consumer protection marks, such as the CE or UKCA symbols, and checking whether sellers are third-party and based in the UK.
Advice from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) also recommends reading warning labels and instructions, and avoiding toys with small parts and strangulation hazards.
Checks should also be made on the age suitability of toys, as well as whether button batteries are secured safely (behind a screw-down plate) or if products have been recalled.
Cllr Karen Rowland, lead councillor for environmental services and community safety, said: “Christmas time can put a lot of pressure on our finances. If you’re struggling, seek help as soon as possible.
“Our Money Matters advice pages have information on food support, finding a warm space, benefits advice, mental health help and more: www.reading.gov.uk/housing/money-matters/
She added: “Unfortunately, if something looks too good to be true, it probably is– always look for the ‘CE’ or ‘UKCA’ mark on the product and think about where your product is coming from.
“Third-party sellers can take advantage of people looking for in-demand products, and these knockoffs often have poor traceability and could be potentially dangerous if the country of manufacture does not adhere to the same safety standards we uphold.
“I would encourage anyone shopping for friends and family this Christmas to familiarise themselves with the quick, easy checks that can be carried out to keep each other safe this festive season.”
Further consumer advice is available by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on: 0808 223 1133
You can also report unsafe products using the same service.
Those experiencing financial issues can find a number of council-approved support services via: reading.gov.uk/housing/money-matters/
