Consumerline Warns Of Potential Christmas Shopping Fraud

People are being urged to be vigilante while shopping this Christmas and avoid being a victim of fraud.

Issuing the warning, the The Department for the Economy's Trading Standards Service (TSS) said that many Northern Ireland consumers will be out bargain hunting in their local high streets or searching online for that popular, in-demand Christmas present that may be fast selling out.

Whether shopping local or buying online, hundreds of millions of pounds will be spent in the run up to Christmas and it pays to know your consumer rights and how to protect yourself.

Consumerline, which is part of the Trading Standards Service, regularly receives an increase in complaints from consumers about faulty, misdescribed, or counterfeit goods, particularly goods that have been bought online, as well as delays with delivery or goods not arriving at all.

Damien Doherty, Chief Inspector for the Trading Standards Service, said: "At this time of year, many consumers are looking for a bargain. They may be tempted to respond to ads on social media where a wide variety of products, claiming to be popular brand names, are sold very cheaply. These goods often turn out to be fake and of poor quality; they could also be unsafe. With fraudsters likely to make the most of the festive season by coming up with ever more ways to target consumers during the Christmas rush, we are urging shoppers to be vigilant and know their rights before parting with their money."

Consumers who have bought faulty or misdescribed items or have ordered goods which have not been delivered should contact Consumerline on 0300 1236262 or alternatively log onto the Consumerline website.