Shrewsbury woman fined over eBay fakes

Shropshire County Council's Trading Standards Service has today issued a warning to people selling items on internet auction site, eBay not to deal in fakes.

This follows the prosecution of a Shrewsbury woman for selling fake Nike trainers, designer clothing and jewellery on the site. Susan Spence, aged 48, of Harlescott Grange, appeared at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court on Monday where she pleaded guilty to offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994. She was fined £500 and ordered to pay £500 towards prosecution costs.

Trading Standards Officers secretly purchased a pair of Nike branded training shoes from Spence on eBay. These were confirmed to be counterfeit copies and as a result, working alongside West Mercia Police, Spence's home was raided in August 2007 where further supplies of fake training shoes were seized together with a range of clothing, jewellery and mobile phone accessories. In addition to the fine and costs, the Court ordered the forfeiture of all of the counterfeit goods seized.

Frances Darling, Shropshire Trading Standards enforcement manager, said: "With a recession looming the temptation is there to take a few risks to make some extra money. Ordinary members of the public can get sucked into buying and selling goods as a sideline to their main income. What starts out as a bit of fun and a few extra pounds in the pocket can quickly get out of hand when counterfeit goods are sold.

“Trading Standards Services across the country are monitoring internet sellers, both routinely and in response to complaints from the public, and sellers of illegal goods are one click from investigation and prosecution. Sellers should be aware that the courts will see them for what they are, small businesses selling fake goods."

John Hurst-Knight, Shropshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Trading Standards, added: “This case highlights that we are doing everything we can to stop these unscrupulous traders. We would also like to advise local people to be vigilant when making purchases, and if they are in any doubt about the authenticity of an item to contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.”

Shropshire's Trading Standards Service is currently investigating other internet sales of counterfeit goods, and further test purchase exercises are planned.

Further information

Consumer Direct offers clear, practical consumer advice. It is a telephone and online advice service working in partnership with Trading Standards. Advice can be obtained on all kinds of consumer issues – from problems with cars to faulty household appliances. You can contact Consumer Direct by calling 08454 040506 or visiting their website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.

28 October 2008