31-01-2026 4:41 PM
Hi, ive looked through a couple of other posts about counterfeit items, but what if the seller has a whole load of counterfeit items that can be evidenced? I recently bought a pair of ghd straighteners, under the description of authentic. They arrived today, and i checked the ghd verification page with the date number, and theyre counterfeit. I took pics and sent to seller, they responded saying they didn't realise and had merely compared to an authentic pair and would accept return. However, I looked at their other items, and its predominantly hair straighteners they sell, lots of ghds and other brands. So I started looking thru them, and some were showing pics of the date code, so I checked them and they're also counterfeit!
This is clearly a counterfeit seller, not just 1 item. To the best of my knowledge, that is against eBay policies?
I've reported seller for selling counterfeit items, and sent pic of my date number and the verification page result. It was only after I done that, i realised this seller has many other counterfeit in his list, its literally evidenced in his pics that items are counterfeit because labels are showing in some! If it was a genuine seller, they would know to check verification page on ghd before selling! Especially if its a seller that focuses on selling hair straighteners!
31-01-2026 4:46 PM
Open an eBay return and select 'Doesn't match description or photos'. Your seller will need to provide a pre-paid returns label.
When you have your refund you can leave a well worded feedback to warn other potential buyers.
It's really also down to GHD to check online listings every now and then and police their own brand, they can easily get listings removed under eBay's VeRO (verified rights owner) programme if they wish.
31-01-2026 4:54 PM
That's all fine and well, but what about eBay policy on selling counterfeit items? These items will have potential to be dangerous. Surely ebay cant go against their own policy?
I would hope they would ban the seller, apparently they can if its evidenced, and it is, thru the sellers own photographs. Its really easy to evidence.
So its not that its just not as described, its more than that, its against eBay policies and a dangerous practise. Isnt it?
31-01-2026 5:05 PM
eBay will only take notice of the amount of returns opened for counterfeit product, the brand using VeRO or Trading Standards.
Are they a UK registered business seller?
If so, report them to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice.
31-01-2026 5:23 PM
They joined in October, and have sold 610 items, predominantly electrical items and hair tools. They're not a business that I can see.
The majority of their feedback is automated, which is never a good sign.
31-01-2026 6:47 PM
Most feedback is automated, so that's not significant.
Sounds like they should be trading on a business account, but sales get reported to HMRC so they'll have a shock when they get in touch with them.
01-02-2026 4:17 PM - edited 01-02-2026 4:19 PM
what about eBay policy on selling counterfeit items?
You can read eBay's policy on reporting counterfeits here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/policies/listing-policies/selling-policies/intellectual-property-vero-pr... (sorry, link incomplete but no time to correct it now.
eBay does not act on reports of counterfeits from ordinary users. They will remove items from sale only when reported by the registered owner of the brand name. eBay suggests that members who suspect that items are counterfeit should get in touch with the rights owner and encourage them to contact eBay.