Watch out for Christmas cons

Criminals are aiming to take advantage of Harry Potter mania by duping Christmas shoppers with counterfeit merchandise, police have warned.

A Crimestoppers campaign launched today is urging shoppers to aid trading standards officials in combating the massive retail fraud. This year, according to genuine manufacturers, the 12 cons of Christmas will be topped by children's favourite characters.

Top of the fakes list comes Harry Potter clothing, toys and games. Other imposters are from the world of Star Wars, Bob the Builder and The Tweenies. Leisure clothing with logos comes next, followed by football team replica outfits and computer games.

When it comes to designer clothing and goods, be wary of brands claiming to be Rolex, Gucci and Nike and leather goods bearing labels such as Louis Vuitton.

Perfume and cosmetics are another great moneyspinner for the fraudsters, warn police.

Look out for cheap CDs and cassettes, and ask why those designer-label trainers are such a bargain. Computer software and films could also be bogus.

There is also a serious health warning. Some seasonal tipples could be fake, with vodka that can cause blindness and alcopops made from anti-freeze.

John Anderson of the manufacturers' Anti-Counterfeiting Group, said: "One of the primary aims of the Crimestoppers campaign is to shake the misplaced belief that counterfeiting doesn't hurt anybody."

Legitimate businesses lose around £9 billion a year to counterfeiters.

? If you come across a Christmas con, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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