Suspected counterfeit · evidence before accusation

Looks wrong is the start of a check—not the end of one.

Price, packaging, seller identity and authentication details can raise a concern. They do not prove that a product is counterfeit. Preserve the evidence and route the suspicion for proper review.

Start with the facts Get Whistle Unsafe Products ↗

Understand

Separate warning signs from proof

Counterfeiting concerns can overlap with product safety, fraud and intellectual-property enforcement. One report can preserve the listing and physical evidence while the right route is identified.

Identity

Compare the claimed brand and exact model, serial or authentication code with genuine information.

Presentation

Record packaging, spelling, logo, warnings and unusually low pricing as observations—not conclusions.

Transaction

Keep the seller profile, payment request, receipt, messages and delivery details.

Check

Create an evidence trail

Use these prompts to build a reliable account. Do not take risks, recreate a failure, dismantle a suspect product or expose private payment information just to collect evidence.

Capture the claim

Save the exact brand, model and authenticity statements used in the advert.

Record the seller

Preserve the seller identity, profile URL, location and contact details as displayed.

Photograph safely

Keep clear images of the product, packaging, labels, serials and included accessories.

Choose the route

Add product-safety reporting if there is a hazard, and use official fraud or IP routes where relevant.

Act

Submit a suspected-counterfeit signal

Use the shared FOLO-UP form to submit the suspected-counterfeit concern and follow its current prompts. Include the listing, claimed product, indicators and authentication evidence wherever the form allows.

Important: A FOLO-UP report or Whistle flag is a listing signal submitted for evidence capture and controlled human review. It is not confirmation that a product or seller is unsafe, illegal, counterfeit, non-compliant or recalled.

FOLO-UP does not replace emergency or official reporting.

Immediate danger, fire or serious injury: move to safety and call 999.
Product-safety or suspected illegal-product concern: use the appropriate official route as well as FOLO-UP.
Scam or money lost: contact the bank or card provider immediately, then Report Fraud in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or Police Scotland.
Ordinary fault, refund or cancellation: contact the seller or marketplace and use a consumer-rights route.

Open the FOLO-UP report form ↗

FOLO-UP public-safety tools

See the signal. Check the record. Report the concern.

Sources

Check the primary source.

The Intellectual Property Office explains how consumers can recognise and report suspected IP crime. Indicators alone are not proof.

Source list and page content last reviewed 22 September 2026.