Warning over rise of fake watches, trainers and handbags on eBay, Facebook and Gumtree – but can YOU spot a dud?
More than 13,000 problems with purchases from online marketplaces were reported to Citizens Advice last year - but would you be able to spot a fake item for sale online?
SHOPPERS need to watch out for fakes when buying on the likes of Amazon marketplace, eBay, Facebook, and Gumtree as often deals aren't what they seem.
More than 13,000 problems with purchases from online marketplaces were reported to Citizens Advice last year with people losing out an average of £215.
And some of these fakes may even be dangerous. Charity Electrical Safety First found dangerous electrical goods, such as hair straighteners and travel adaptors, for sale on a number of online marketplaces.
The Sun has also heard from scores of readers who've accidentally bought fake items on websites such as eBay and Gumtree.
Like Chris Strutt, 52, from Rainham in Essex who in 2014, bought what he thought was a £900 Rolex watch from eBay with money left to him when his father passed away.
It wasn't until four years later that Chris discovered his watch seemed to be a fake after seeing a news report on it.
How you pay can also offer an added layer of protection.
If you paid using PayPal, you have 180 days from the purchase to raise a dispute.
Debit card payments and credit card purchases of under £100 are covered by your card's Chargeback scheme - although this is a voluntary arrangement so there are no guarantees.
You also need to claim within 120 days of making the purchase or receiving the goods.
How to protect yourself using online marketplaces
IF you're planning to shop on Amazon or Facebook's Marketplaces or on eBay, here's what you need to know, according to Citizens Advice:
- Check the product details: this should include: photos; a description; cost of the item; delivery charges; contact details for the seller; and any cancellation rights. If information is missing and it's a private seller, it can make it difficult for you to ask for your money back.
- Check if the product is being sold by a trader or a private seller - this is important as your rights are different.
- Read previous reviews as these can often flag potential issues; but watch out for fake reviews. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Take screenshots of the item you want to buy. This will come in handy if the item you receive is different to what you saw on the website.
- Use a payment method that protects you - a credit card is best. But debit cards and Paypal offer come protection. Avoid paying by bank transfer.
- Go back to the seller if there’s a problem: explain what’s happened, how you’d like them to fix it and give a deadline for them to respond. If they don’t sort it out, see if there’s an alternative dispute resolution service that can help. Report them and the online marketplace to Trading Standards if you think the issue is unfair.
Credit card purchases of over £100 are covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act - and here there's a longer time limit of six years from making the purchase or receiving the goods to pay.
Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “While online marketplaces can be a great way to bag a bargain, far too many people are being ripped off.
“Part of the problem is that if things go wrong with a purchase, it can often be confusing what you can do.
“We want to make sure customers know what to look out for which includes checking who they are buying from. Your rights can differ depending if it’s an individual or business.”
A spokesperson for Amazon said: "Our customers trust that when they make a purchase through Amazon’s store—either directly from Amazon or from one of its millions of third-party sellers—they will receive authentic products, and we take any claims that endanger that trust seriously.
"We strictly prohibit the sale of counterfeit products and invest heavily—both funds and company energy—to ensure our policy against the sale of such products is followed."
An eBay spokesperson added: "eBay has several measures in place to protect buyers who believe they have purchased counterfeit or fake goods and invests significant resources into creating a safer marketplace for our users.
"Most eBay sales go smoothly, but if there’s a problem with a purchase, the eBay Money Back Guarantee ensures that buyers receive the item they ordered, or get their money back.
"Counterfeits are illegal and not welcome on any of eBay’s sites. We are fully committed to combating the sale of counterfeit goods and have consistently been the internet industry leader in working to stop the online sale of counterfeit goods."
We've previously warned that Facebook Marketplace is a black market for ILLEGAL knock-off designer goods – including Gucci scarves, Louboutin heels and World Cup footie shirts.
But can YOU tell the difference between the designer bag and the replica?
Shoppers have also been warned as fake £20 notes flood Britain.
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