People attracted to fake goods in recession

12/06/2009

Cash-strapped consumers have been urged by trading standards officials to steer clear of dodgy counterfeit goods.

The recession is thought to have led to increased demand for the cheaper pirate products, including toys, designer clothes and DVDs.

However, according to the Trading Standards Institute (TSI), many of these items are faulty and could prove dangerous to their money-saving owners, the BBC reports.

Bryan Lewin at the TSI was quoted by the broadcaster as saying: "These fake products will always be sub-standard and have caused fatalities."

He added: "There is a lot of publicity around counterfeit watches, designer clothes, CDs and DVDs, but consumers and businesses should also be aware of fake electrical installation goods which pose a real risk to the health and safety to people, and damage to property.

Figures cited by the TSI suggest that pirate goods form a black market equivalent to 15% of total global trading.

Tags; Budgeting Advice, Retirement Money Problems, Credit Card Lifestyle, Recent Graduate Debt,

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