People urged not to buy hand sanitiser or face masks from car boot sales
People in Staffordshire have been urged not to buy "potentially harmful" hand sanitiser or face masks from car boot sales or markets.
Chiefs at Staffordshire County Council said bargain hunters should be wary over counterfeit items which could be offered to them as lockdown restrictions ease.
Bosses say the items – needed to protect against coronavirus – should only be bought from a reputable retailer amid concerns they could be harmful.
Victoria Wilson, cabinet member responsible for trading standards, said: "With restrictions being gradually lifted following the lockdown, we’re starting to see more and more car boot sales and markets reopen. This is just a gentle reminder for people to be on their guard for counterfeit items.
"As well as all the usual stuff to watch out for, people should be particularly careful around things like facemasks and hand sanitisers.
"At best these will be a waste of money and at worst won’t protect you properly. Anyone who buys counterfeit goods will land themselves with poor quality and possibly dangerous goods while helping line criminal’s pockets."
People can report counterfeit goods by calling the anonymous Staffordshire Fight the Fakes line on 01785 330356.
