Contributing to the counterfeit industry is illegal.
4 Ways to Identify Fake or Counterfeit Merchandise
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The holiday shopping season is here and federal officials want to make sure you get what you pay for. The Department of Homeland Security is sending out a warning about counterfeit goods which may not just be fake, they could be a safety hazard. Counterfeit goods is a multi-billion dollar industry, ranging from jewelry to shoes, electronics, apparel and even motorcycle helmets. But telling the difference can be tough. "It could be almost impossible to tell the difference between counterfeit items and the real thing," Jerry Miles with the Department of Homeland Security said. The Department of Homeland Security gathered experts at a trade enforcement coordination center to show how agents identify illegal products. Agents used Ugg boots as one example. "You can tell the foam doesn't bend, it's very hard, it's incredibly uncomfortable to wear. This is a genuine boot. The foam is much softer it's a much more flexible," Graham Thatcher with Ugg explained. "Price is the number one indicator. If it's so much lower than the market price, you have to be very cautious of what you're purchasing," Miles said. Experts warn that sellers are posting knock-offs on fancy websites that may look legitimate. "If the website that you're making the purchase from doesn't have a way to contact the website or contact the vendor, you should be very cautious of that website," Miles said. Some products such as a counterfeit extension cord could be a safety hazard. It's very flimsy and doesn't have enough copper inside. Over time, it can heat up and catch fire. Last year, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized over $1 billion worth of counterfeit merchandise. On Friday, they served search warrants at businesses in downtown Los Angeles they believe are involved in the sale of counterfeit items. Officials remind consumers it's not just a blow to the economy, but often an inhumane business that involves child labor.
"There's a dark story about counterfeit that is overlooked. It's not only the impact to the economy there's a human tragedy behind," Jaime Ruiz with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection said.
4 Ways to Identify Fake or Counterfeit Merchandise
How to Spot a Fake Item Online
So how do you recognize the real deals when shopping online? Officials say a lot of fake merchandise is funneled through popular sites like Craigslist and eBay. In fact, luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co. did an investigation and discovered that 73% of purported Tiffany sales on eBay involved frauds. Vendors could also be peddling knock-offs through their own websites in an effort to avoid getting busted, as both Craigslist and eBay patrol this type of merchandise.
If you’re worried about spending big bucks on something that isn’t real, consider these four tips:
1. Research Business Reputations The best way to avoid being taken advantage of is to purchase luxury goods through reputable businesses. One way to find out if a company is trustworthy is by checking with an industry’s professional association, or via the Better Business Bureau website, which can tell you if a retailer has received any complaints. Gain more insight by searching online for the company name and the word “reviews.”
2. Train Your Eye Looks can be deceiving, and there’s no quicker way to learn that than by testing yourself in the Counterfeit Gallery created by the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition. Quiz yourself to determine whether you can tell if a Prada bag, Baby Phat jeans, or team sports jersey is real or fake. According to some experts, some tip-offs include poor stitching, crooked labels, or misspelled brand names. Also, certain brands have hardware like zippers, clasps, and screws that are specific to their brand. These are identifiers that help shoppers know they’ve found the real deal.
3. Look for Red Flags It’s cliché, but true: If a price seems too good to be true, chances are, it is. Sure, there are bargains out there, but be realistic about what name-brand luxury items typically fetch. If the price is significantly lower, chances are you will get what you pay for.
Another red flag is the sales tactic: Is the seller using high pressure to get you to buy now? If they tell you to hurry because the deal won’t last long, there’s a possibility that what they’re selling isn’t what it appears to be.
4. Search for Overused Words Experts say shady retailers often overuse words like “genuine,” “real,” or “authentic.” That’s because they’re trying to convince consumers they can be trusted when in reality they can’t. Furthermore, instead of coming out and saying something is a knock-off, they may use the phrase “inspired by” to get away with selling a fake.
Final Word
Even if you purchased a counterfeit Gucci bag for a price far lower than that of an authentic Gucci bag, if it’s fake, it’s still probably not a bargain. What’s worse, your purchase could be funding illegal activity, including child slavery. If you have purchased counterfeit luxury goods, you should file a consumer complaint with the Better Business Bureau, or you can file an online complaint through the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Have you ever bought a counterfeit item without knowing it until it was too late? When did you realize you’d been duped?