Shoppers are being warned to watch out for online counterfeit scams this Christmas after a surge in the number of complaints.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards said copycat products are likely to be inferior and unsafe, and refunds are almost impossible.

Officers said that since April they have received 48 complaints about counterfeit online purchases, including UGG Australia boots, GHD hair straighteners and Tiffany jewellery.

Group manager Ian Marriott said: “Beware of offers that seem too good to be true. They probably are.”