Handheld consoles targeted by forgers in Xmas rush
Counterfeit gaming consoles are flooding the UK in response to Christmas demand, according to customs officials.
The fake consoles pose a variety of dangers to UK gamers, including electrocution, fire and simple disappointment when they break.
“Across the EU the rise in counterfeit electronics is growing very rapidly, it was barely on the radar until very recently. It used to be fake Nikes and Gucci, but now we’re seeing fake PSPs and high-end iPod-style mp3 players more often”, said a spokesperson for HMRC.
One current example is the so-called ‘Red Dragon’ DS lite, widely available from well-known online auction sites, none of which are genuine UK models.
“Many of these consoles have been confirmed by Nintendo to be fake, while the rest are designed for the Japanese market, where controls are far less rigorous”, continued the spokesperson.
EU-wide figures point to a ‘worrying increase’ in fakes in sectors that are potentially dangerous to consumers, such as electrical equipment – seizures of knocked-off computer equipment rose by 62% in 2007 alone.
Last week customs officers seized the largest shipment to date of fake Nintendo DS consoles destined for UK homes. In-depth investigations found that the chargers supplied were non-UK tested and potentially lethal.
But fear not gadget fans, all is not lost – even the untrained eye can spot the forgeries, in certain circumstances. “Although it’s hard to tell the products themselves are fakes, its the low-quality packaging and photocopied, badly cut manuals that give it away”, according to HMRC.
Trading standards say buyers should beware of too-good-to-be-true bargains, as well as these handy hints:
- Ensure product is wrapped in cellophane on receipt
- Check the paperwork isn’t photocopied and the charger is in proper container
- Check there is a guarantee
- Check packaging for the British Safety Standards mark
- If unsure, contact Trading Standards
