HARD-UP shoppers could be duped into wasting their Christmas money by unscrupulous people selling fake goods, warn Hampshire Trading Standards.

Trading Standards staff are warning Christmas shoppers to be careful not to fall for fakes if tempted to buy cheap products from car boot sales, internet auctions, social media sites and other websites, as gifts.

Every year the County Council’s Trading Standards officers seize thousands of fake designer goods including health and beauty products, jewellery, clothing and accessories, handbags, camera and mobile phone batteries, watches, electrical items, boots, shoes and trainers as well as fake DVDs, music CDs, tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol and children’s toys.

These can offer a temptingly cheap alternative to buying from high street shops, but fake goods are often made from inferior materials, can be dangerous, and could result in injury or even death.

Anyone who has bought a product they think might be fake, or knows of someone selling counterfeit products, should report it on the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06.