Surrey and Hampshire shoppers warned over buying substandard goods online this Black Friday

With Black Friday discounts underway we are being warned about buying unsafe toys and substandard electrical products online.

Surrey and Hampshire fire services are urging us to look out for counterfeit and substandard electrical goods which could pose a high risk of electric shock or fire.

They are urging us to avoid the risks - and shop from trusted retailers instead.

Both are backing Electrical Safety First week this week, which raises awareness of the dangers of such products sold online during the festive period.

Hampshire County Council's Trading Standards Service says we need to watch out for small parts on toys ordered online, which could be a choking hazard.

Another risk is toxicity caused by painted wooden and plastic toys containing heavy metals - and dart guns which can cause significant injury.

Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage, Councillor Seán Woodward, said: "Our Trading Standards officers are continually working to keep consumers and their families safe and undertake regular online checks to help crack down on illegal and unsafe traders.

"They also carry out market surveillance inspections and sample testing at ports, markets and shops to intercept illegal and unsafe goods before they are listed online.

"Some of the dangerous toys our Trading Standards officers can find include items with small parts that come off, such as the wheels on toy cars or the eyes of soft toys, which are choking hazards for young children and could potentially be fatal.

"Unsafe painted wooden and plastic toys can contain heavy metals, which can cause toxicity in an individual over time as a result of repeat exposure.

"Hazardous projectile toys, such as dart guns, can shoot projectiles with the potential to cause significant injury."

So how do we shop safely online?

Hampshire Trading Standards has issued the following recommendations for consumers to protect themselves when purchasing toys and goods from websites:

• Check that toys are suitable for the right age, are CE marked and have the name and address of the importer or manufacturer

• If the price of an item seems too good to be true, it probably is

• Avoid temptingly cheap alternatives - counterfeit goods are often produced using inferior or dangerous materials, and the profits may help to fund criminal activity

• Look for signs that the website is using a secure, encrypted connection such as https:// in the web address

• Look at the seller's returns policy and search for reviews - be ready to question whether the reviews are genuine

• Be wary of purchasing products via social media sites - these can contain misleading advertising, counterfeit and unsafe products, subscription traps and many other scams, such as shortened web addresses containing malware.

If youhave bought a product you think might be fake, or know of someone selling counterfeit products, you are asked to contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Further advice for consumers is available on Hampshire County Council's website at www.hants.gov.uk/tradingstandards.