Falkirk fans are being warned about fake World Cup strips being sold online and on the high street. Trading Standards is advising fans to be cautious of low prices and poor quality. The warning comes as demand for official merchandise surges around major tournaments. Fake shirts are appearing on online marketplaces and the high street in growing numbers. CTSI is calling on consumers to know what to look for before they buy. Genuine current-season replica shirts typically retail between £60 and £120. A shirt being offered for a fraction of that, particularly through social media, unfamiliar websites, or third-party online marketplace sellers, should prompt immediate caution. CTSI recommends purchasing replica kits from official club shops, league-endorsed retailers, or well-known national retailers. These outlets are far more likely to resolve problems quickly and stand behind what they sell. Many counterfeit shirts may be easy to spot because of poor design: loose or uneven stitching, glue marks, rough or uneven embroidery, ‘player only’ patches that should not appear on retail versions, spelling errors in player or club names, and colours that look wrong. The fabric can be another clue – genuine shirts usually feel light and breathable, while counterfeits may feel cheap, flimsy, or unusually heavy. CTSI is also warning consumers to be wary of more sophisticated counterfeits. Some fake shirts come with forged holograms and imitation swing tags, including duplicated Purchase Order numbers and fake barcodes designed to appear genuine. If anything about a tag or label feels inconsistent or off, it is worth questioning. CTSI advises people to be cautious of shirts priced significantly below the typical retail range of £60–£120 – if a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is. John Herriman, CTSI chief executive, said: "The World Cup is one of the greatest sporting events on earth, and for millions of fans across the country, wearing your nation's colours is part of what makes it special. “Counterfeiters know that too, and they are ready to exploit that passion for profit. Fake shirts are not just a rip-off; they are often linked to wider serious organised criminal networks that Trading Standards and law enforcement work hard to disrupt. "Our advice to fans is simple: know what to look for, buy from trusted retailers, and if something feels off, trust your instincts. The Trading Standards profession up and down the country is working to keep counterfeits out of the market, but consumers are our eyes and ears on the ground, and their vigilance matters."