Horse urine perfume: why online bargains may be dangerous

Horse urine perfume: why online bargains may be dangerous6 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleKevin PeacheyCost of living correspondentGetty ImagesOnline shoppers chasing a bargain are at risk of buying fakes, with disturbing cases including perfume contaminated with horse urine.The illegal trade in counterfeits is funding organised crime. Meanwhile, some products have been endorsed by influencers to attract younger buyers.Consumer groups say that, as well as fakes, some dangerous items – ranging from balloons to chargers – are being sold through online marketplaces or social media.The government is planning new legislation aimed at ensuring online shops have the same responsibilities as High Street shops.Major online platforms say they are "working hard to protect customers" by removing unsafe and counterfeit goods from sale.Bills are rising and consumers are facing further cost-of-living pressures owing to the domino effect of the Iran war.The financial squeeze is naturally leading people to search online for cheap deals. While genuine and safe bargains are available, experts have warned about counterfeits endangering children and the health of others.Helen Barnham says fake toys can have hidden dangersBehind the locked doors of former holding cells in Swansea, the BBC was shown hauls of fake goods piled from floor to ceiling which have been seized by trading standards officers.Fake Labubus have detachable eyes that could be a choking hazard; a Super Mario toy has dangerous chemicals in a suction cup designed to be licked and stuck to a window; and K-Pop Demon Hunters dolls are fake, faulty, and potentially unsafe.Fake Crocs are stuffed into bags and counterfeit Pandora jewellery looks genuine until you open the box.Counterfeit Labubus can be dangerous"Cosmetics and perfume, when we had some tested, have had horse urine in them so you don't want to be putting that on your skin," said Helen Barnham, head of enforcement campaigns...