NSW Fair Trading Minister Matthew Mason-Cox today said Fair Trading raided two Sydney CBD retail sites and one Western Sydney warehouse last Friday, after a tip-off that they were dealing in counterfeit cosmetics, including the world renowned Mac brand.

Mr Mason-Cox said more than 8,000 counterfeit products have been seized as a result of the raids.

“The raids follow a Fair Trading investigation into consumer complaints about products they had purchased from a Sydney retailer,” he said.

“Alarmingly, one complainant reported experiencing burns to her face after using the counterfeit products.

“Others reported that it was not until the product packaging had been opened that it became obvious they had purchased a fake due to a different colour and consistency to the genuine article.”

Mr Mason-Cox said Fair Trading investigators were acting on information from the cosmetic company and their trademark investigators that these stores have been selling counterfeit Mac goods.

“The goods have been tested and they are proven to be counterfeit,” he said.

“These products are of poor quality and their ingredients of dubious origin.

“The cosmetic industry is a billion dollar market and our concern is that consumers can be misled into paying top dollar for fake and inferior products.”

Mr Mason-Cox said Fair Trading investigators will continue their work to ensure the fakes are removed from sale.

“The raid is part of an ongoing commitment to protect consumers and business by removing counterfeit goods from the marketplace,” he said.

“In May this year, Fair Trading successfully prosecuted Michael Lam, a Paddy’s Markets trader, for selling counterfeit football clothing. He was ordered to pay fines and costs of $17,180 by Parramatta Local Court.

“While consumers are urged to scrutinise the labelling on a product, it is not always easy to spot a fake.”

Mr Mason-Cox urged consumers to buy their products from a reputable trader.

“You are more likely to have your consumer rights enforced under the Australian Consumer Law if you buy from a well-recognised and established trader,” he said.

The Australian Consumer Law provides fines of up to $220,000 for individuals who engage in false and misleading conduct and $1.1 million for a body corporate.