Stings catch out retailers selling violent games to minors

90% of online auctions and three high street stores sold 18+ games to kids

24 June 2008 21:38 GMT / By Verity Burns

It seems the powers that be have been at work trying to put a stop to minors getting their mitts on violent games.

Two separate, independent stings have come to light this week. Firstly, Trading Standards highlighted the problem of underage gamers buying 18+ games via auction websites, such as Ebay.

Six local authorities enlisted volunteers between 12 and 16, who tried to buy 18-rated video games online, paying for them with postal orders.

Of the 44 purchases attempted, 38 traders went through with the transactions.

Elsewhere, consumer watchdog Which? sent a 15 year-old girl into high street stores in an undercover investigation. Out of nine stores, three sold her a game with an 18 rating. These were Woolworths, Game and Maplin.

Shockingly enough, the girl was asked her age in Maplin, yet still sold the game despite telling them she was 15.

The six other shops – Tesco, Argos, Debenhams, HMV, Currys Digital and local shop Entertainment Exchange - all refused the teenager, who tested stores in Harrow, Middlesex.

Game has responded, stating: "We are very disappointed that this incident occurred. A full investigation has been conducted, and we have taken appropriate action to ensure that it does not happen again."

It added: "Game is a responsible retailer and takes its legal obligations exceptionally seriously.

The maximum penalty for selling BBFC-rated product to underage consumers is £5,000 and/or six months in jail - and this even applies to seller on auction sites.