Rebecca Gilbert tracks down the Christmas fakes

IT'S bad enough tearing open the Christmas wrapping paper to find the gift staring up at you is the very thing you didn't want; the latest album of Irish boy band Westlife, say - on tape.

But if you're not careful when shopping for those extra special Christmas presents, your loved ones could be in for much more than disappointment.

Experts are warning that in the run-up to the festive season, the market could be flooded with fakes - and some could even be bad for your health.

The Anti-counterfeiting Group, which represents manufacturers and distributors of branded goods, is warning consumers a whole range of festive fakes are around - and shoppers should be wary of "too good to be true" bargains.

"If it costs less than half the normal price it is almost certainly a fake," said the group's spokesman John Anderson.

Mr Anderson says buying fakes can have serious consequences.

Fake perfumes and cosmetics can contain substances which seriously damage the skin and eyes, he says - and fake alcohol can blind and even kill when consumed.

"There are always some people who will turn a blind eye and knowingly buy stolen or counterfeit items, but this year we are concerned that shoppers, who would never normally consider supporting illegal activities, will be taken in by smooth-talking sales people who convince them that counterfeit goods are, in fact, legitimate ends of lines or foreign imports," he says.

"Far from getting a bargain, these shoppers will be well and truly ripped off."

Car boot sales, street markets, short-term lease high street shops, pubs and clubs are probably not the best places to stock up on your stocking fillers, according to Mr Anderson.

When buying shoes and clothing, shoppers are advised to examine the inside stitching and seams and look carefully for poor quality seals between upper and sole on shoes.

When buying perfumes and cosmetics, shoppers can tell their Angel from their witch's brew by looking out for poor quality labelling and packaging. This is all the more important as some fake fragrances can damage your skin and eyes. If you are thinking of buying a watch for your loved one, avoid ending up with a red face because they've got a green wrist by looking out for tell-tale signs. Fake watches feel lightweight and sound tinny when shaken, and logos and brand names are often poorly fixed to the dial.

Check the quality of children's toys as fake items do not adhere to the safety controls followed by leading manufacturers.

Poor general quality and finishing are the usual indicators of fake toys and parents are advised to buy from recognised retailers.

Meanwhile, if you are tempted to buy a cut-price crate of champers from the bloke down the pub with a job lot left over from the office party - think again.

Another dangerous trend is the growth in fake alcohol which can blind or even kill when consumed. Bottles are often genuine items stolen from pub rubbish bins.

Suspicious shoppers are advised to examine closures and caps very carefully. If you have any suspicions about counterfeit goods contact your council's trading standards department.

Top Ten Festive Fakes for 2000

1) Sportswear - eg football strips

2) Computer games - eg football games

3) Designer clothes - especially designer label fleeces

4) Character merchandise toys - eg Pokmon and Tweenies

5) Perfume and cosmetics

6) Music - CDs and cassettes

7) Watches and luxury goods - eg designer brands and leather goods

8) Films - both VHS and DVD format

9) Champagne - cheap alcohol labelled as famous name brands

10) Business software