Trading standards officers have issued a warning to traders over counterfeit goods being sold at pamper nights.

Essex County Council Trading Standards said they have received concerns about counterfeit goods, in some cases potentially dangerous, being sold at ladies pamper night events in the county.

Among them were handbags, electrical hair styling products and make-up.

Officers said that although pamper nights are usually held within people’s homes and sometimes in pubs and clubs, traders are still at risk of prosecution under the Trades Mark Act and the Proceeds of Crime Act if counterfeit goods are sold.

Malcolm Shead, head of Essex County Council Trading Standards, said: “We are reminding organisers of pamper night type events to ensure that they are selling genuine goods or they may face prosecution.

“We are also appealing to those who attend such pamper night events to be careful when purchasing branded goods offered at low prices.

“We understand it can be tempting to purchase cheap deals but consumers should be aware of the wider implications and the risks to their own safety.

“These products are often poor quality and potentially dangerous plus the sale of counterfeit goods damages the trade of those businesses who operate within the law and can cause damage to the reputation of the brand holders.”