SHOPPERS are urged to look out for a number of tell-tale signs which should warn them they are about to buy a fake rather than a bargain.

A spokesman for Trading Standards explained: "The main thing to look out for is the quality of the product. Sometimes, you can tell just by looking or touching it that it's not right.

"And the labels tend to be a giveaway. In a lot of cases, it is like a sewn-on badge rather than something that has been embroidered into the product."

He added that price and location were other indicators.

"If it is selling for considerably less in a typically market-style environment then chances are it is fake," he said.

Poor workmanship was also highlighted as something often found on counterfeit products.