A SUSPECTED fake mobile phone racket has been smashed in Kirklees.

Consumer watchdogs have seized suspected fake phone accessories worth an estimated £300,000.

And some of the fake phone chargers may be dangerous.

Details of the two raids are sketchy, but officials of West Yorkshire Trading Standards confirmed both were on industrial units in Kirklees.

The officers from Trading Standards joined West Yorkshire Police on Thursday to execute warrants.

They uncovered a large amount of counterfeit and potentially unsafe mobile phone accessories being sold online from West Yorkshire.

The raids followed test purchases of mobile phone batteries by Trading Standards Officers.

A large amount of stock including batteries, chargers, phone covers and other accessories, with an estimated high street value upwards of £300,000, has been seized.

Boxes of unlabelled batteries together with sheets of Nokia, Samsung and Blackberry adhesive labels ready to apply were found in the industrial unit, suggesting the products are labelled on the premises ready for selling.

Phone pouches with black tape used to cover Apple and Blackberry trademarks were also found during the raid – a common practice used to conceal counterfeit goods and avoid detection at UK ports of entry.

A Trading Standards spokesman said: “A large quantity of the seized chargers have been submitted for further testing for compliance with electrical safety standards in the UK”.

Two men were arrested during the operation and are now on bail whilst investigations are completed, and the examination and rigorous testing of the products is carried out.

Graham Hebblethwaite, chief officer of West Yorkshire Trading Standards, said: “In the current economic climate counterfeit goods are becoming more prolific, particularly online where consumers do not have the opportunity to see the goods in person before they make their purchase.

“We urge consumers to stay safe online and be wary of branded goods which may seem like a bargain.

“If you suspect the sale of counterfeit goods, please get further advice by calling Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.”