Safety warning to South Yorkshire parents over dangerous toys this Christmas

Consumers are being warned about the dangers of purchasing counterfeit goods this Christmas

Local Trading Standards teams are on the lookout this festive season for dangerous toys and counterfeit goods.

They have also warned about the threat of being duped into online scams in the run-up to Christmas, and have issued these tips to consumers:

• 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.

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/

If you have been targeted by a scam, you can report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04050