‘Fake Fashion’ Is Never A Good Deal As Fraudsters Target Unaware Bargain Hunters

‘Fake Fashion’ Is Never A Good Deal As Fraudsters Target Unaware Bargain Hunters. Hello everyone, I hope you are well. In today’s post, I will be sharing a press release from Crimestoppers, warning about the signs and dangers of ‘fake fashion’ as fraudsters become increasingly skilful at finding new ways to 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 Crimestoppers.

The charity is flagging signs to spot that something may be fake. Counterfeit footwear, clothing and accessories are often made from low-quality materials and are less durable than genuine brands. They could contain hazardous chemicals and metals, which can cause serious long-term damage to health.

‘Fake Fashion’ Is Never A Good Deal As Fraudsters Target Unaware Bargain Hunters

When you buy ‘fake fashion’, you support illegal and criminal activities, such as child and forced labour, and contribute to a dangerous underground economy, including drug smuggling, serious violence and dangerous working conditions, leading to the most serious death cases.

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 reminds people that fake fashion could hurt more than your wallet in the long run.

Social media is 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.

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 contacted the charity independent of the police.

Call free on 0800 555 111, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org to fill in Crimestoppers’ quick and easy anonymous online form.

Crimestoppers is a charity independent of the police, taking crime information whilst protecting everyone who contacts them with total anonymity. That means no personal information, such as names and contact details, is ever requested or stored. The information the charity receives is then passed on to the relevant police or law enforcement agencies with no comeback.

Spotting The Signs Of Fake Fashion

Low Price

A low price is the most common giveaway. If it looks too good to be true, that’s because it probably is.

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 stitches per square inch. Fake items have less stitching, and the lines won’t appear straight or uniform.

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.

Spelling

Check for spelling errors. Look at the logo to see if the brand name is spelt correctly, and check the inside labels. Remember, even if a product claims to be ‘100% genuine’, it may not necessarily be.

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

User Reviews

Trusted websites will have verified user reviews, sometimes with pictures and videos. Use these to get customer feedback on products.

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.

David Crawley, Crimestoppers Director of Development, said:

“Not only are these counterfeit products made from low-quality materials, but they can also 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 skilful 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 a simple anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone at 0800 555 111, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Nobody will know you contacted us, only you.”

I hope you enjoyed that.

Talk soon.

About CrimeStoppers

Crimestoppers is an independent charity helping communities Speak up. Stay safe.’ Our 0800 555 111 telephone number and website Crimestoppers-uk.org gives people the power to speak up and pass on information about crime 100% anonymously. For over 30 years, we have always kept this promise.

Alongside our national campaigns, we have hundreds of volunteers across the UK who help us promote our services to those that need to hear about them. Every region of the UK has a Crimestoppers team responsible for raising awareness of our charity and running local campaigns about issues that affect their area. Around ten people are arrested and charged daily due to information given to Crimestoppers.