One of the island’s biggest seizures of counterfeit goods has been made by fair trading officers following a tip-off from members of the public.

Some of the big-name designer labels in the world of fashion and branding are apparently there in this photograph including Gucci, Versace and Hugo Boss.

But in fact this pile of clothes, shoes and cosmetics, destined for car boot sales, are fake. The counterfeit goods have an estimated street value of £7,000 and more than 300 items were seized and prevented from being sold to people in the island following the investigation by the Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

The probe was launched after the OFT was made aware of fake items by recognised brands being sold at car boot sales.

John Peet, chief inspector of trading standards, told the Courier it was one of the biggest hauls of counterfeit goods seen in the island. He said: ’In terms of the quantity of goods seized it is significant.’

David Oldfield, senior trading standards officer, said: ’The criminals that prosper from this trade have little regard for anybody but themselves.

’While many people are aware that you get what you pay for, the law is very clear and sales of counterfeit goods impact seriously on trademark holders who have invested heavily in the design, manufacture and quality of their goods.

’The OFT will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action with respect to counterfeit goods to prevent dangerous or shoddy items being sold to unwitting consumers, to protect genuine businesses and to protect the rights of trade mark owners.’

There have been no criminal court proceedings.

Martyn Perkins MHK, chairman of the OFT, said: ’Counterfeit goods are often substandard and in many cases present a safety risk to the consumer.

’Examples of dangerous or unsafe counterfeit goods include car parts, which may compromise the roadworthiness of cars, cosmetics, which are unregulated and could be harmful to sensitive skin, children’s clothing that can easily go up in flames, electrical hair styling products presenting the risk of electrocution, ’designer’ sunglasses that do not offer protection against UV rays, cigarettes and alcohol.

’Safety should always come before a bargain and if it seems too good to be true it probably is.’

Here’s a checklist of what people should look out for:

Check the quality and labels first. It’s easy to spot a fake as their labels have spelling mistakes or other distinguishing marks.

If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t be fooled into thinking you’re getting a great deal.

Get the trader to tell you if they provide an after-sales service, warranty or guarantee. Most rogue traders don’t.

Anyone who thinks they have been sold counterfeit goods, or suspects somebody is selling them, can contact the OFT on 686500.