FBI, LAPD Warn Holiday Shoppers on Counterfeit Products

Visually identical counterfeit products will fool consumers

November 26, 2013, Los Angeles, CA – The FBI, LAPD and prosecutors displayed dozens of actual counterfeit products to warn holiday shoppers of the risk of being deceived this season by an avalanche of fake items. Over $750 Billion in counterfeit goods are produced each year, and end up purchased by unsuspecting consumers from retail shops and websites.

The Counterfeit Report® consumer website joined local and federal law enforcement officials Monday, providing information and dozens of actual counterfeit products to illustrate the deception and sophistication of counterfeiters and their products. Consumers were urged to consider the economic and personal risk of buying counterfeit goods, and encouraged to be skeptical of goods unless purchased from authorized retailers. Popular counterfeit goods on display from The Counterfeit Report website (www.TheCounterfeitReport.com) included fragrances, sporting goods, electronics, shoes, cell phone cases and pharmaceuticals. All are viewable on the website with information to help consumers avoid the fakes.

Los Angeles FBI Assistant Director Bill Lewis, Los Angeles Police Chief Police Chief Charlie Beck and City Attorney Mike Feuer echoed concerns about the immediate dangers of counterfeit products "poor workmanship, poor quality and danger that can cause financial loss, injury and even death."

Additional Photo Link (8 photos)

image: Consumers can be easily deceived by counterfeit products (authentic on the left, counterfeit on the right).

The Counterfeit Report Publisher, Craig Crosby presented dozens of examples and explanations of deceptively identical counterfeit products and their authentic counterparts. Crosby pointed out the serious quality issues with the counterfeits, and the lack of value for consumers. Displayed examples even included counterfeit brand name products purchased from eBay and Amazon. "People feel they have confidence in the iconic businesses –Amazon, eBay, Groupon -- but we see that that is misplaced when these businesses show or perform in a deceptive manner." said Crosby.

With 91% of holiday shoppers planning to go online to buy gifts this holiday season, seasonal holiday vendors and the web is a haven for scam artists selling counterfeit merchandise. Consumers are most vulnerable when they are seeking gifts for loved ones. Unfortunately unscrupulous local vendors pop up to sell counterfeit goods, as well as the best known websites. Crosby's recommendation "Buy from authorized retailers, pay with a credit card, and when in doubt, compare your item to a known authentic item."

Website: www.theCounterfeitReport.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Counterfeit-Report/131568053660579
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