Don’t buy designer goods from a man in the pub and don’t part with your money, even if you think you are bagging a bargain. That’s the advice being given by the Office of Fair Trading.

Recent alerts on the Isle of Man Constabulary Media page on Facebook had warned of individuals approaching people in pubs and car parks round the Island trying to sell watches.

The OFT can confirm that Police Officers, accompanied by a Trading Standards Officer apprehended two men in the South of the Island late on the night of Monday 29th June. The men, who were from the UK, were operating without a non-resident traders licence and the watches found in their possession, were counterfeit.

Enforcement action was taken and the two men left the Island on the ferry the next morning.

Mike Ball, Chief Officer of the OFT said: “this is another good example of the police and our enforcement team acting jointly to protect Island residents from conmen. I would like to thank the police for their help and also those members of the public who reported the men to the police. The public are our eyes and ears when it comes to tracking down rogue traders and the information provided has allowed this situation to be quickly and effectively dealt with.”

“Whilst most of us feel we would be wise to this sort of thing and able to judge a cheap fake, the real risk is where these conmen find a more vulnerable victim who they know can be charged inflated prices.”

Mr Ball ended, “the OFT will not hesitate to take enforcement action to protect consumers and genuine businesses. Goods purchased from traders who approach them in a supermarket car park or a pub will almost certainly be counterfeit or falsely described. Don’t part with your money. Simply report the matter to the police or the OFT.”

Photo - The counterfeit watches.