Fife Trading Standards Warning Over 'Hoverboards'

If you've bought a self-balancing scooter or 'hoverboard', it could be a fire risk. 

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has urged people to pay attention to safety advice after a huge number imported from abroad were assessed as unsafe.
 
The new craze scooters have been imported from abroad, are being assessed as unsafe due to problems with the plugs. Over 15,000 have been seized at UK entry points - more than 17,000 were examined.

Dawn Adamson, from Fife Trading Standards, says people should be wary of a bargain: 

''We regularly check websites like Gumtree and Facebook to identify sellers of counterfeit goods such as those seized in this instance. Offering fake goods for sale online does not provide anonymity from enforcement bodies like Trading Standards. Our Intellectual Property Enforcement Group investigates such crimes in liaison with a network of partners involved in the fight against fakes.''

Dawn added, ''Those caught selling fake goods will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal and, if convicted, could face a prison sentence and/or an unlimited fine.''

If you suspect counterfeit goods are being sold, report it through our partners at Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06, or at www.fifedirect.org.uk/tradingstandards