Many shoppers knowingly buy fake goods, thinking its harmless but they would be shocked to learn their money goes straight into the pockets of major organised and global criminal gangs funding serious crime such as drugs, guns and people-smuggling, child pornography and even terrorist activity. 

Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards are working in partnership with the police to carry out regular intelligence-led checks and raids targeting those selling counterfeit goods in Staffordshire.

The link between counterfeit goods and organised crime is well-established, over €83 billion is lost every year and €14.3 billion lost to the government as a direct result of counterfeiting and piracy.

How do I report counterfeit goods?

If you have any information about counterfeit goods please contact Staffordshire Trading Standards Confidential on 01785 330356.

You can also report your intelligence on fake goods on the Trading Standards Authorities web site.

The IP Crime Group has produced a  handy tool kit explaining how you can prevent your business suffering from counterfeiting and piracy.