Those Instagram accounts offering too-good-to-be-true deals on handbags and clothes are no more…

The Department of Economic Development in Dubai (DED) has revealed that it has shut down close to 5,000 social media accounts suspected of selling counterfeit goods online.

Many users of social networks such as Instagram and Facebook will have seen these accounts attaching themselves to popular hashtags peddling fake items like shoes, handbags, jewelry and more.

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In an official statement to state news agency WAM, DED said the move is designed to help protect the authenticity of brands and to maintain Dubai’s position as a leading trade hub.

A senior official at the DED was quoted as saying that a team has been working around the clock to monitor social networking sites and digital platforms, ultimately shutting down 4,879 social media accounts and 30 websites.

If you suspect something you have bought to be fake, you can do your part by reporting it to Consumer Rights Dubai on (600) 545 555 or emailing consumerrights@dubaided.gov.ae

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