How scammers target YOU with faulty chargers and fake hoverboards which can catch on FIRE
Unsafe hair straighteners, kettles, LED lights, chargers as well as hoverboards have all been picked up by Tradings Standards
WATCH OUT for fraudsters pushing fake and faulty goods which could catch on fire via social media sites.
The scammers disguise products as well-known brands and then lure shoppers onto external sites with low prices, the National Trading Standards (NTS) warned.
It said that social media sites and online marketplaces had helped the number of people selling dodgy electrical items grow.
This can lead to fake – and often dangerous – products ending up in people’s homes, including dangerous electrical products with faulty chargers that can overheat and cause fires.
Unsafe hair straighteners, kettles, LED lights, chargers as well as hoverboards have all been picked up by Tradings Standards.
Other hazardous items which are being pushed by scammers include illegal teeth whitening products, super-strength laser pens and knock-off children’s toys.
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The report said work intercepting criminal scams had saved consumers an estimated £93 million over the last year and resulted in 77 criminals convicted and collectively sentenced to 161 years' worth of jail time - but that the problem could get worse as online selling portals continue to expand.
Consumers have been warned about the growing threat of dangerous counterfeit goods sold via social media platforms and other online portals.
NTS chairman Lord Toby Harris said: "Our work is making inroads into criminal activity, but we know that in many cases this is just tackling the tip of the iceberg.
"Scams today can reach more people than ever before as criminals manipulate digital technology and online platforms to access a larger pool of potential victims.
"We've published this report today to help consumers and businesses identify potential cases of fraud and to encourage people to be on the lookout - both for online scams but also for criminals that continue to prey on people in vulnerable situations."