Danger toys still sold online

Online scammers are risking the safety of children by selling toys that have been recalled by manufacturers.

That's according to MarkMonitor, a web monitoring company, who said it had seen dangerous batches of toys such as Dora The Explorer, Thomas the Tank Engine and Barbie being sold online, despite product recalls.

"As the holidays approach, buyers should be wary of online scammers and irresponsible vendors who are abusing reputable brands to make a profit," said Irfan Salim, president and chief executive officer of MarkMonitor.

Salim said that difficulties in regulating the sale of goods between countries played a part in this practice, but that brand-name companies needed to keep better control of their intellectual property.

"The internet has introduced a boundless, multi-jurisdictional playing field that regulatory and industry bodies cannot fully control. Ultimately, brandholders are responsible for protecting the consumers who trust their brands and their supply chains from fraudulent and questionable internet practices," said Salim.

Separate research suggests that online sales are expected to reach £14bn in the UK this Christmas, making it even more important for consumers to be sure they trust the retailers they buy from.

Read Web User's online guide to Christmas shopping.

www.markmonitor.com

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