The holiday shopping season is fast approaching, but retail trade groups are warning consumers about the dangers of counterfeit goods. With the rise of online shopping and social media, fake products are more accessible than ever before. Tourists used to flock to outdoor markets in New York City to buy knock-off designer handbags and sunglasses.
Now, these counterfeit items are just a few clicks away on the internet. The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is urging social media giants like Meta to crack down on online counterfeit shops. AAFA members have spent the past year fighting against fake goods that take jobs away from American retail workers.
Recently, AAFA and other trade groups displayed tables full of counterfeit products bought online at an event on Capitol Hill. These items ranged from fake water filters to prescription drugs to Elf on the Shelf dolls. Some of the phony products were so convincing that they fooled both customers and law enforcement.
A survey by the Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection at Michigan State University found that 68 percent of consumers bought fake products at least once in the last year. Almost 40 percent chose to keep the item even after realizing it was a fraud. These knock-offs aren’t just fake; some are also dangerous.
The Water Quality Association revealed that some counterfeit water filters were filled with newspaper and didn’t remove harmful substances like lead or mercury from water.
Consumer warning on counterfeit dangers
Customs and Border Protection agents seized 47 products and found that 36 percent contained toxic chemicals and heavy metals.
Authentic products go through quality control measures to prevent contaminated items from reaching the market. Scammers are able to deceive a wide range of people, especially young, religious men from lower-income households. National Crime Prevention Council Executive Director Paul DelPonte says it’s easy to dupe people looking for the best deals online.
The groups making the fake products are often involved in other illegal activities like drug cartels and human trafficking. DelPonte believes holding social media companies accountable is a simple solution. Retail, apparel, and drug manufacturers are lobbying for the SHOP SAFE Act, which would make online platforms liable if a third-party uses the platform to sell fake goods.
AAFA has also urged the U.S. Trade Representative to add apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads to the Notorious Markets List, which identifies websites where copyright piracy and trademark counterfeiting take place. While government regulation can help reduce counterfeiting, individuals also play a crucial role. Consumers should carefully review products before purchasing, check seller reviews, and demand a refund if they buy a fake item.
Writing letters to social media companies asking for increased counterfeit enforcement can also make a difference. As the holiday shopping season begins, it’s important for consumers to be aware of the risks associated with counterfeit goods. By taking steps to avoid fake products and holding companies accountable, we can all help create a safer online shopping environment.
