UNSCRUPULOUS dealers are putting people at risk selling counterfeit goods on Facebook, it has been claimed.

Halton Council suspects hundreds of residents are flogging dangerous fake items to their friends and families.

Trading Standards officers have already seized £25,000 worth of counterfeit goods, including 25,000 cigarettes, 3.4kg of tobacco and 150 high value designer products as they step up their campaign to target social media sellers.

A new hotline has been launched to encourage callers to report anonymously people they suspect are selling fake goods on Facebook.

A Halton Council Trading Standards investigative officer said: “People are sitting in their own armchairs taking orders through messaging.

“They don’t care about the safety of their friends and family. There are lots of risks with counterfeit goods.

“Illicit cigarettes smuggled into the country do not meet ignition tests and could continue to burn if not puffed. They are more likely to cause a house fire.

“Genuine branded toys meet UK safety standards so bits won’t fall off when a child chews it so they won’t choke on it.”

Officers believe some sellers could be earning between £500 and £2,000 a week.

Research has revealed that the fake market is costing Halton traders between £676,000 and £2 million a year.

“If you trace the chain back this is being funded by criminals who are into drugs, violence and guns,” added the officer.

“People need to realise we can and will find them and they will be prosecuted.

“We’ve already seized £2,140 in cash, three vehicles and six mobile phones.

“A conviction will have an impact on their private lives and employment prospects.”

Anyone who suspects people selling counterfeit or illegal goods anonymously can now leave an anonymous message on a new reporting hotline 0151 511 8787.