$6.9 Million of Counterfeit Designer Jewelry Seized

Remember the old adage. . . if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. So when you learn, for example, that you can purchase a Van Cleef & Arpels (VCA) Alhambra necklace for a fraction of the retail price, it’s time to be skeptical.

The latest seizures by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) makes clear that fraudsters are still trying to bring these items into the United States and sell them to unwitting (or witting) jewelry enthusiasts. In Cincinnati, OH, the CBP confiscated $6.9million of high end designer jewelry, value based on retail price if authentic, including VCA bracelets, necklaces, and earrings; Rolex watches; and items branded Tiffany, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Christian Dior, and more.

All in all, CBP found a total of 11 shipments of these fake goods, originating from India, Hong Kong, and Indonesia. On December 11, CBP Cincinnati officer found 783 pieces of knockoff jewelry in a package from Hong Kong heading toward an address in North Carolina. The estimated value of this grouping if real is nearly $1 million.

On December 2, at the same location, officers nabbed 60 sets of jewelry coming from Indonesia, addressed to residences in North Carolina and Maryland. On December 6, CBP officers found six more shipments of knockoff jewelry and watches. One of these shipments held the fake VCA with a retail value of about $1.7 million. An additional box with 102 Rolex watches and 20 Gucci belts worth over $3 million was seized, as well as yet another four shipments with an assortment of fake watches.

On December 7, CBP seized another two boxes of counterfeit goods. The first of these held fake jewelry and headbands with Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Mickey Mouse (?!) logos. The final seizure held watches labelled Adidas, Coach, Tous, Gucci, and Rolex.

As always, and especially at holiday time, CBP warns consumers to be smart and safe. According to CBP Cincinnati Port Director Alrick Brooks:

“CBP protects legitimate trade practices and recommends shoppers purchase their holiday gifts from reputable websites and businesses . . .With the influx in e-commerce, purchasing gifts online can be misleading through third-party sites. We encourage you to be aware and report any suspicious illegal trade activity.”

Tell us, are you concerned about giving or receiving fake merch? What steps, if any, are you taking to avoid this?