A Counterfeit Christmas - Why Cheap Goods Aren't Worth It

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by: bluespeckmedia
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Word Count: 485
Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2012 Time: 12:47 AM
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We're all making cuts in this time of austerity and we certainly feel the financial pinch the most around Christmas. But one thing shoppers shouldn't resort to this Christmas is the purchase of counterfeit goods. If a desirable item has a suspiciously cheap price tag then it's probably too good to be true.

The Home Office UK Border Agency has issued a warning to shoppers to be on their guard this Christmas when buying cheap goods online. Not only are counterfeit goods illegal to buy, even online, they are most likely worthless - a pittance of what you may have paid in the first place. Most importantly, they could also be dangerous, potentially causing injury that may not always be liable for personal injury compensation.

These are just a few of the reasons consumers are being warned against the lure of fake goods. As well as fuelling criminality, the purchase of counterfeits seriously undercuts honest traders at a time when public spending is already at an all time low. Whilst many are caught by discounted prices, counterfeits are at best inferior to their genuine articles, lessening their enjoyment for users.

Chris Bond, cabinet member for environment, said he feared the state of economy would inadvertently cause a surge in fake goods.

"So many people out there are tightening their belts and looking for a bargain because of the precarious state of the economy," he said.

"It's understandable but it's a false economy for all of us. Fake goods hurt genuine traders and manufacturers, which hurt job prospects and hurt consumers too because if they are faulty you will have no opportunity to get your money back."

Besides loss of money, cheap designer or branded goods are made with poor quality materials or alternatives which can cause irritation and rashes. Most worryingly, faulty electrical goods can cause serious harm. The appearance of electrical goods such as chargers and hair straighteners can be copied surprisingly well, but their internal components very likely fall below UK safety standards and have an increased probability of causing electrical fires. Toys, jewellery, alcohol and cigarettes may also be duplicated but could potentially be toxic. In one recent case cited by a major personal injury compensation claim firm, two parents and a child required urgent medical treatment from toxic inhalation when a 99p toy they had bought exploded.

Those who purchase counterfeit goods, even unknowingly, are breaking the law. Remember, if you're injured by a faulty goods which are not genuine then you may be forfeiting your right to make a claim for personal injury compensation. If you are unsure of your right to claim, whatever the circumstances, get in touch with a reputable firm who can offer professional and qualified personal injury claim advice.

About the Author

- John T. Hughes writes for Personal Injury Claim Advice, a personal injury firm which specialises in putting injured individuals in touch with professional personal injury lawyers.