OFT warns of counterfeit health care products

Criminals 'seek to benefit' from public's Covid-19 fears

The Office of Fair Trading is warning of counterfeit health care products being sold by scammers online.

Businesses and consumers are urged to be vigilant, with 'fake and sub-standard' items reportedly available on 'bogus websites'.

These include face masks, gloves and hand sanitisers, as criminals seek to profit from the public's fears over Covid-19.

OFT Chairman Martyn Perkins MHK says the organisation "will not hesitate to prosecute" anybody caught selling such counterfeit goods.

John Peet, Head of the OFT, said: "the Covid-19 crisis is obviously bringing out the best in people, but criminals rarely miss an opportunity to exploit the vulnerable or those who have simply let their guard down."

Residents are urged to be 'very cautious' when ordering health care products online, and to "put the phone down on anyone who cold calls you offering such products for sale."