Matthew Mason-Cox med rel: Fair Trading targeting a fake near you

NSW Fair Trading Minister Matthew Mason-Cox today said Fair Trading officers seized hundreds of Nike and ASICS brand footwear in a raid at a home in Hurlstone Park, in Sydney’s inner-west.

Mr Mason-Cox said more than 560 pairs of counterfeit Nike and ASICS brand footwear was seized at the make-shift warehouse, which had been under investigation by NSW Fair Trading officers for about a month.

“NSW Fair Trading is stepping up its surveillance of counterfeit goods in the marketplace, so this raid should serve as a warning to people who are illegally selling counterfeit goods,’’ Mr Mason-Cox said. “We are in the marketplace and we will catch you.’’

In July, NSW Fair Trading undertook two major operations. The first operation saw more than 8,000 counterfeit makeup products seized from three locations across Sydney. The investigation followed consumer complaints about makeup products they had purchased, including one consumer who had the skin on her face burnt after using a fake Mac foundation.

Later that month, officers raided a Western Sydney retailer selling counterfeit Nike brand footwear, assorted designer label clothing and accessories.

“In May, NSW Fair Trading successfully prosecuted Michael Lam, a Paddy’s Markets trader, for selling counterfeit football clothing,’’ Mr Mason-Cox said. “He was ordered to pay fines and costs of $17,180 by Parramatta Local Court.”

Mr Mason-Cox said while consumer protections existed under the Australian Consumer Law, it was not always easy to spot a fake, so I urge consumers to buy their products from a reputable trader.

“You are more likely to have your consumer rights enforced under the Australian Consumer Law if you buy from a well-recognised and established trader,” he said.

NSW Fair Trading is now considering pursuing legal action against the Hurlstone Park trader.

Businesses that make false and misleading statements about the price, value or quality of the consumer goods they sell face fines of up to $22,000 for an individual and $1.1million for a company.