Warning for Unauthorized Buy/Sale Channels in UAE

Social media accounts specially Facebook groups and pages selling counterfeit goods to almost 78 million followers have been shut down by Dubai consumer protection watchdogs.

Mr Ibrahim Behzad, the director of intellectual property rights protection said the electronic surveillance team of the commercial compliance and consumer protection sector tracked counterfeits of more than 48 international brands, which primarily included man and woman bags, watches, phone accessories, shoes in addition to perfumes, cosmetics, and clothing.

“The Department of Economic Development does not tolerate any kind of commercial fraud and we enforce the laws and regulations applicable against such practices, including imposing fines,”

Officials from the Department of Economic Development ordered 13,948 social media accounts to close, in the latest crackdown of fake goods.

419 accounts were on Instagram, with the rest using Facebook groups and pages to sell fake items online.

Action was also taken against a further 45 websites, for similar breaches of consumer protection laws, following a prolonged surveillance operation with trademark owners and lawyers.

Ibrahim Behzad, director of intellectual property rights protection at the department, said social media was beginning to dominate illegal markets for fake goods.

“They are an increasingly popular channel for the movement and supply of goods,” he said.

“Naturally, some traders have taken to such platforms for peddling in counterfeit goods.

“We have hence strengthened our monitoring of the e-commerce market, social media and all digital channels.

“This will maintain and reinforce Dubai’s leading edge in trade and overall economic activity, particularly in the retail sector.”

Last year, the department seized 19.9 million counterfeit items from traders in the Dubai.

Consumers can report negative practices by calling 600 54 5555, or on the @dubai_consumers account of CCCP on Instagram and Twitter.

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