Warning to Christmas shoppers over ‘toxic’ toys and bottles of perfume filled with WATER flooding the high street
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CHRISTMAS shoppers have been warned over "toxic" toys and bottles of perfume filled with water being sold on the high street. Birmingham locals looking for a bargain should be extra cautious, after the City Council seized scores of "dangerous" and illegal items.
![[Some perfume bottles seized were filled with water]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/birmingham-christmas-shopping-warning-perfume-959213878.png?strip=all&w=724)
Some toys were found to contain toxic paintwork or have loose parts that could be a choking hazard for young children. Others had sharp edges that might cut a small child's skin. Perfume and aftershave bottles being sold heavily discounted could just be water, Trading Standards warned.
![[Some toys were found to contain toxic paintwork]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/birmingham-christmas-shopping-warning-perfume-959213880.png?strip=all&w=810)
The group added: "If the price seems too good to be true then it probably isn't worth the purchase.". David Benbow, head of service for Trading Standard at Birmingham City Council told Birmingham Live that sellers will target individuals over Christmas.
![[Trading standards warned shoppers over the dangers of buying from unvetted sellers]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/birmingham-christmas-shopping-warning-perfume-959213874.png?strip=all&w=711)
This is when they're most "vulnerable" as people look for good deals during their Christmas shop. He provided some key tips to avoid scammers this time of year. David advised shoppers to only buy from vetted shops - in other words, those in the wooden huts only.
The sellers pushing trolleys with flashing toys and lights are not verified so could be selling counterfeit goods. He added: "People will be walking around with carrier bags with goods in their bags. "They'll pop up a table in an alleyway between shops and offer airpods and stereo headphones at a vastly reduced price.".
