Bodyshops get fake 3M paint preparation product warning

Bodyshops have been warned to be on the look out for counterfeit 3M paint preparation products following reports that quantities of fake product has turned up in bodyshops in the UK.

The City of London’s Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit has conducted raids at a number of business and residential premises in connection with the supply of counterfeit 3M paint preparation products.

Three people were arrested at their homes in Banbury and Gwent on suspicion of money laundering, conspiracy to defraud and trademark offences. Computer equipment, documentation and more than 200 boxes of suspected counterfeit products were seized, it has been reported.

The raids stemmed from an ongoing investigation that began when 3M started receiving reports of possible quality problems with its PPS™ products. Upon examination, the ‘defective’ products proved to be counterfeit copies.

While no incidences have been reported in Ireland, bodyshops are being urged to be vigilant and only purchase  3M paint preparation products from official sources.