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​Illegal minature phones pose a threat to public

Illegal miniature mobile phones resembling car key fobs are being sold online and may be dangerous to people who use them. These phones have recently come to the attention of the Serious Organised Crime Agency, National Trading Standards e-Crime Centre and other law enforcement partners. It’s thought the phones originate in China and are available online for bulk or individual purchase direct from the suppliers.

As untested electrical goods, the phone chargers may pose significant health and safety risks, which is particularly worrying, as the phones are likely to be popular with young people.

The phones are illegal because they infringe the trademarks and copyrights of several car manufacturers such as Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini and Volkswagen. The unauthorised use of their branding on these phones is a breach the Trade Marks Act 1994.

Retailers please note

If you sell online ─ remove them from sale and contact the Citizen’s Advice Bureau on 08444 111 444. You may be liable, if anyone who has bought one of these phones from you is injured while using one. They’re likely to breach the terms and conditions of many online retailers or social media sites.

Members of the public please note

If you’ve bought or have been offered these phones, contact the Citizen’s Advice Bureau on 08444 111 444. If younger members of your family are using them, confiscate them for their own safety and again contact the Citizen’s Advice Bureau on the number above.

Disclaimer

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of any information or other material contained in or associated with this document, it is provided on the basis that NTSeCC, NTSB or SOCA and their staff, either individually or collectively, accept no responsibility for any loss, damage, cost or expense of whatever kind arising directly or indirectly from or in connection with the use by any person, whomsoever, of any such information or material.