THE FAKE SHOP - Pilot Store Opening For immediate release THE FAKE SHOP - Pilot Store Opening On 2nd November 2015 a pioneering project will be opening in Yeovil, Somerset. 'The Fake Shop' is the first experience of its kind in the UK and it offers a unique opportunity for ‘fake shoppers’ to become consumer champions and see the truth behind counterfeit goods . This idea has been conceived by a new consumer protection and social hardship charity called Impact Planet and ASTOP, which transforms empty shops into charitable and educational experiences.  With Devon and Somerset’s Trading Standards Service, the Fake Shop highlights the dangers and consequences of purchasing counterfeit goods and provides trading standards literature and advice on identifying scams, avoiding unsafe goods and tips on how to avoid becoming the victim of a rogue trader. The shop will include displays of memorable story boards and diverse materials to appeal to a variety of the senses which will assist Fake Shoppers to become more vigilant within this sphere. Fake Shop volunteers will be on hand to assist Fake Shoppers with their enquiries, giving advice and guidance to enable patrons to empower themselves to avoid becoming victims. They will be offered interactive experiences that will continually evolve to represent current counterfeit trends and seasonal scams. The Fake Shop, akin to a museum exhibition, will make a marked difference in public awareness as well as reducing counterfeit crimes. Although a serious topic 'The Fake Shop' will offer a warm and friendly environment that will become a hub for the community and in addition to the already mentioned, workshops are planned with invited guest speakers. Christmas shopping has started to get underway and with a huge increase to online sales it’s more difficult to know what you’re buying and who from. Don’t get caught out by seemingly unmissable offers and bargain prices – all might not be what it seems when you get the goods delivered; if they’re delivered at all. The Fake Shop aims to demonstrate that its not just DVD’s and clothing that are counterfeited or misdescribed, electronics, food and drink, cosmetics, tools, car parts, jewellery and even fireworks can be cleverly disguised as a genuine product when in reality it is low quality and more worryingly, could seriously damage your health. Counterfeit goods have long been sold at car boot sales, pubs, markets and fairs but fake merchandise has now also moved online, making the purchase of potentially harmful fakes a regular consumer choice. Impact Planet aim to combat this trend and protect the consumer by opening Fake Shops in various towns and cities around the country, with an ambition to enhance this further by commissioning a purpose built mobile facility to take to the public (shows, exhibitions etc) again with the aim of raising awareness. Working closely with Devon & Somerset Trading Standards, and over time other regional Trading Standards offices, Impact Planet’s Fake Shops will become a vital ally in the fight against counterfeit crime. Councillor David Hall, Deputy Leader of Somerset County Council, said: Unsafe, fake or mis-described goods can be extremely harmful, both to individual consumers and the local economy. Sales of counterfeit goods often fund serious and organised crime and Devon and Somerset Trading Standards are pleased to support this innovative and unique project to help local people learn how to protect themselves from all kinds of trading scams and become smart shoppers and consumer champions. Ends