Counterfeit Cosmetics Found To Contain Rat Poop, Poison And Human Urine, Police Report Says

Counterfeit cosmetics are commonly sold over Britain, but a police report stated that these fake goods are found to contain human urine, rat poop and arsenic. Laboratory tests on these products show that it contain poisonous chemicals that put the lives of consumers at risk.

Authorities from the City of London Police launched a campaign on Monday to put more light to the risk of fake products sold across Britain. The campaign, called Wake Up—Don’t Fake Up!, intends to inform consumers that counterfeit beauty products exist.

"Many people don't know about the real dangers counterfeit beauty products pose to their health,” said Detective Superintendent Maria Woodall. She also said that criminals are taking advantage of customers and leading them to purchase counterfeits just to make quick cash.

According to the police, the online shopping trend has made it more difficult for products to be identified as counterfeit. Consumers usually tend to overlook the authenticity of the items because they can’t touch or feel the product before buying it. In addition, some online stores only use generic images to make consumers believe they are buying the real items.

Counterfeit goods, including perfume and sun cream, as well as electric beauty products like hair curlers and straighteners, are usually manufactured in unhygienic and unsanitary conditions. The Guardian reports that there are cases where these products were found to have rat droppings and harmful chemicals on them.

The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit, or PIPCU, has served to protect consumers over the last 18 months to fight the sale of fake items. In their mission, over 5,000 Web sites selling fake goods have been suspended and over €£3.5 million worth of goods were seized.

Woodall warns consumers that these products pose serious health threats. She also adds that shopping online from these dealers would let one’s financial and personal information fall into the wrong hands.

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