Councils are also urging people to be wary of turning to suspect online sellers that are offering next-day delivery to get hold of toys that are out of stock elsewhere.
The LGA says that shoppers should look out for the CE mark on toys or their packaging, which confirms they meet consumer safety standards.
It is also warning parents desperate to buy in-demand toys to avoid buying them at suspiciously low prices or from suspect websites, as these may be run by criminals who fail to deliver them after falsely claiming to have them in stock.
Simon Blackburn, chair of the LGA’s safer and stronger communities board, says that Christmas can be a great time for bargains but it can also be a “magnet for dodgy traders and criminals”.
“Faulty electrical toys can lead to fires or electrocution, inferior materials can break and cause injuries, while toxic levels of ingredients can cause burns, illness and even prove fatal,” he says. Councils have seized a significant amount of unsafe and counterfeit toys in the run-up to Christmas, but there will be rogue sellers – including those operating under the radar online - determined to exploit people desperate to buy must-have toys to avoid disappointing their children and young family members.
“As well as looking out for grammar and spelling errors on packaging – tell-tale signs of counterfeit goods - people need to resist cheap offers that look too good to be true, particularly if certain toys are sold out in well-known retailers, as this could be a sign that they are fake, unsafe and poor quality or simply don’t exist.”
He continues: “Shoppers need to check toys have a CE mark which show they comply with safety regulations and we urge all website retailers to clearly include this reassuring mark in the information they provide. Selling illegal, fake toys is a crime and ruins the reputation of genuine traders, harms legitimate businesses, cost the economy millions in lost tax revenue and often funds organised criminal gangs.
“Trading standards teams at councils nationwide go to great lengths to prevent the sale of counterfeit goods and toys, and won’t hesitate to take action against anyone found selling them. Residents can support this important work by reporting any concerns they have about toys and other goods being sold or they have bought.”
Anyone with information about suspected fake goods can report it to their local council via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.
IMAGE CREDT: Alvimann on Morguefile.com
LGA issues warning over fake 'must-have' toys
1 min read
The Local Government Association (LGA) has warned last-minute shoppers, who are desperate to buy this year’s “must-have” Christmas toys, to look out for tell-tale signs of fake and potentially dangerous products.
