12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS: Warning to parents when buying toys this Christmas

Today we’re launching our new 12 Days of Christmas feature which will be bringing you advice and information to help you make the most of the festive period.
Check that toys  have all the correct safety labels before buying them for your children this ChristmasCheck that toys  have all the correct safety labels before buying them for your children this Christmas
Check that toys have all the correct safety labels before buying them for your children this Christmas

We’re kick-starting today with advice from Trading Standards to help parents stay as safe as possible when buying toys for their children this Christmas.

Every year, Trading Standards teams are on the lookout for:

• Unsafe toys and goods which pose a safety risk or do not comply with health and safety legislation

• Online scams which target unsuspecting internet shoppers

• Counterfeit products which mimic the real item.

Cybercrime appears to be on the increase with more and more transactions taking place online.

Trading Standards teams from local authorities work with the National Trading Standards E-Crime team to investigate and stop these crimes from happening.

But each year many people still fall victim.

Watch out for bogus websites or Facebook accounts, advertising very cheap goods as a way of obtaining your bank details.

Before you make an online purchase ensure that you are certain that you are dealing with a legitimate business.

If it sounds too good to be true, then it’s probably a scam.

You can find more information about online scams and how to avoid them by visiting the website of the National Trading Standards E-Crime team at http://www.tradingstandardsecrime.org.uk/

Here is some key advice, which applies to any toys:

• Always buy from a reputable retailer, whether on-line or on the High Street

• When buying on-line always ensure the seller has a postal address and contact number so unsafe or faulty items can be reported and returned

• Always ensure on-line payments are secure

• If items cost over £100 consider paying by credit card, this gives extra protection

• When items arrive ensure they are ‘ce’ marked and come with adequate instructions

• Any chargers should have UK standard plugs and should also be ‘ce’ marked

• Never use chargers from other items, even if the fittings are the same, they may not be suitable and could cause a fire.

If you have been targeted by a scam, you can report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.

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