Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is proud to be supporting this year’s Consumer Awareness Week (23rd February -1st March) and is highlighting the need for everyone to be #ShopAware, especially when buying online.
While online shopping is easy and be can be done from the comfort of your own home - complaints in the clothing and footwear sector rose significantly last year—climbing from 14,620 to 17,744. The comfort of armchair shopping has meant that consumers are dropping their guard and a growing number of these issues stem from "informal" online marketplaces including Facebook Marketplace and community selling groups.
Unlike established retailers, buying from individuals on social media often leaves consumers with fewer protections, making them prime targets for scammers and sellers of unsafe goods.
Rhian Hope, Service Director of Public Protection, said:
“Social media groups can be a great place to find a bargain or sell unwanted furniture, but they are also a 'wild west' for counterfeit and dangerous products.”
“From fake 'Labubu' figures that pose choking hazards to clothing that doesn't match the description, the risks are real. When you buy from a private seller on a social media group, your rights are different than when you buy from a business, making it much harder to get your money back if things go wrong.
“Wherever you’re shopping from, we urge consumers to always THINK and remember that if something sounds too good to be true then it probably is! A branded hoodie at a heavily discounted price is likely to come with strings as well as the BNWT attached.
“The dedicated Trading Standards teams are continuing their efforts online and offline to combat these risks and keep consumers safe. Last year the team seized over 769 unsafe items over the last year. Many of these products, included hundreds of counterfeit toys and were marketed directly to parents via social media "craze" trends.”
While browsing social media, take time to consider whether that amazing offer or competition prize is genuine! Scammers often spoof legitimate websites or brands so it’s always best to visit websites directly instead of via links on a social media.
The Council’s Trading Standards team are here to offer help and advice to keep businesses and the public safe and will always look to work with businesses to put things right before any enforcement action is taken.
Following the discovery of items, they are destroyed and recycled by the Trading Standards team.
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:
“Bargain hunters need to be aware that Counterfeiters are always ready to cash in on the latest craze and will be prioritising profit over safety. As well as infringing the genuine products trademark, they are not carrying out the required testing to ensure the product is safe”.
“The products they sell are usually attractive to teens and children or heavily discounted but can pose significant dangers. Small parts can come loose and become choking hazards and lead to exposure to certain chemicals and dyes, which are banned in the UK.”
“Enforcement is always a last resort, that is only undertaken when they believe a law has been broken that would cause harm to the public – but the message is clear if you are found selling FAKE or UNSAFE items, we will take action!”
Trading Standards continues to inspect local businesses and are removing the non-compliant products from sale. This can also result in prosecution of traders who knowingly breach the law.
Top Tips for Shopping on Social Media & Marketplaces:
- Verify the Seller: Check the seller’s profile. Are they new? Do they have a history of successful sales? In local groups, ask for recommendations before buying.
- Inspect Before Paying: If buying locally via Facebook Marketplace, always inspect the item in a safe, public place before handing over money.
- Beware of ‘Too Good to be True’: Counterfeiters use social media to cash in on trends like the ‘Labubu’, ‘White Fox’ or ‘Nike Socks’ craze, prioritizing profit over safety. Fake clothing and toys often contain banned chemicals, dyes or contain loose parts that are dangerous to children.
- Use Secure Payments: Avoid ‘Friends and Family’ payment options on apps like PayPal when buying goods, as these offer no buyer protection.
If you have concerns about a seller or a product you’ve purchased, you can also report issues to your local trading standards service by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 123 1133 or email tradingstandards@rctcbc.gov.uk.
Posted on 26/02/2026