What's the law on private sales of counterfit goods?

Question

Hi, I recently brought what I thought were GHD hair straighteners off somebody through a private sale. I haven't got any written agreement or anything. When I got them home and tried them, I thought they didn't feel right, and after alot of research, I understand them to now be fakes. I obviously want my money back. But I want to know how I stand legally. Does she have to give me the money back by law? And if she won't give me the money back, is there any law against her for holding such goods, considering they are breaking alot of copyright laws etc, not to mention how many safety regulations I hate to think they're probably in breech of. Thanks

Answer 1

There is a law against selling counterfeit goods in general.  If she doesn't willingly give your money back, you can threaten to report her to the police.  That might change her mind.  

Reporting her may not get your money back, but it may be the right thing to do anyways as she is not only stealing from you, but from the person who owns the copyright to the item she is counterfeiting.  

Answer 2

counterfeit goods being sold as authentic goods are illegal, and they can have charges pressed against them. You can also sue in civil court.