Image: CBP.gov
The turkey’s done, holiday decorations going up, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday offerings fill the inbox. It’s that time of year… for shopping and gifting. And it comes with a warning from the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) about avoiding counterfeit goods. Or, as CBP puts it – Unbox Real Happiness: Give the Gift of Authenticity.
After all, no one wants to learn that the fabulous designer handbag from Aunt Emily is fake! Likewise, accusations of passing off a fraud gift as legit dampens everyone’s holiday spirit. There’s no ho-ho-ho in the faux-faux-faux.
Of course, counterfeit goods are a well-recognized year-round world-wide problem. CBP reports that, during its FY 2022, it seized nearly 25 million counterfeit products. Those goods would have been worth $3 billion had they been genuine. And that’s just in the United States. Internationally the trade in counterfeit and pirated items is estimated to approximate $500 billion.
With the approaching holiday season and gift-giving, CBP and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are concerned that as consumers look for deals on luxury goods – particularly online – there’s a greater risk of (inadvertently or not) purchasing counterfeit items. Indeed, most consumers report that the internet is the greatest source of fake goods. And, although PurseBop’s focus is on handbags, this issue affects most luxury goods, as well as medications, carseats, beauty supplies, batteries, and so much more.
Last December, in Los Angeles alone, CBP officials seized 13,356 counterfeit purported luxury designer pieces in a cargo container from China. It included handbags of all types from brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Gucci, and YSL. The estimated value, if real, would have been over $30 million.
So, this holiday season CBP and the Chamber of Commerce teamed up to educate the public on the dangers of the counterfeit trade. Plus, they have specific advice on how to avoid scams.
According to John Leonard, Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Trade:
“Counterfeit goods may seem harmless, but they support criminal activity, contain materials and ingredients that can pose serious health and safety risks, and hurt legitimate American businesses . . . Counterfeiters only care about profits – not your health or safety, or the United States economy.”
US Customs and Border Protection seizes a fake Chanel maxi.
To help you this season, below are the Chamber of Commerce’s ten tips to shop smart and only buy the real thing.
- Trust your instincts: If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
- Insist on secure transactions: Make sure your payments are submitted via websites beginning with the https:// (the “s” stands for secure) and look for a lock symbol at the bottom of your browser.
- Watch for missing charges: Criminals trafficking in counterfeit goods often do not report their sales to financial authorities, and so they will omit sales tax and other fees. This often amounts to a noticeable difference in the final price. Buyer beware.
- Seek quality assurance in the secondary market: Reputable and reliable resellers have comprehensive inspection and authentication procedures and technicians to inspect the equipment they sell.
- Be careful purchasing medicine online: Over 96% of online pharmacies do not meet safety or legal standards. To find an accredited digital pharmacy, verify with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
- Be vigilant when buying abroad: When shopping on international websites, look for trusted vendors that use identifiable privacy security safeguards and have reasonable return policies.
- Guard your personal information: Illicit websites often install malware that can steal your credit card information and other information stored on your computer.
- Scrutinize labels, packaging, and contents: Look for missing or expired dates on perishable products, broken or non-existent safety seals, false warranty information, or otherwise unusual packaging.
- Report fake products: Report unsafe counterfeit products to U.S. Customs Border and Protection or the National IPR Center.
- Spread the word: Share these tips! Teach your family, friends and coworkers about counterfeits.
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Wishing you safe and authentic shopping. And if you are looking for luxury handbags we recommend exploring Luxury Promise.
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Love, PurseBop
XO
Updated: November 27th, 2022
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