Counterfeit Products Challenge Black Friday Shoppers

Counterfeits common, consumers easily fooled.

Los Angeles, CA, November 3, 2014 - With over 90% of holiday shoppers planning to go online to buy gifts this holiday season, the web is a haven for scam artists selling counterfeit merchandise. E-Commerce websites including eBay and Amazon are no exception for “Black Friday” bargain hunters who are vulnerable when they are seeking gifts for loved ones.

These counterfeit products were purchased from eBay, Amazon or Alibaba.

All Counterfeit Products -- Clockwise from left; Bose Quiet Comfort QC15 Headphones, Gillette Mach 3 Razor Blades, Otterbox Defender Cell Phone Case, Supra “Justin Bieber” Muska Skytops, MAC Mineralize Blush. Chanel, Acqua Di Gio, Daisy, Infusion D’Iris, and Coco Fragrances, Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife, Invicta Pro-Diver Watch, Montblanc Meisterstuck Pen.  (Photo: TheCounterfeitReport.com)

Counterfeit products are often listed as "100% Genuine" or "Authentic" and many listings use the manufacturer's own stock product advertising photo to fool unsuspecting buyers, who receive a fake. “You just can't identify a counterfeit product from a stock photo” says The Counterfeit Report^®, a popular consumer protection website helping consumers visually identify counterfeit products with thousands of counterfeit product photos.

Consumers are easily deceived and unknowingly purchase counterfeit products from eBay, Amazon and Alibaba. These counterfeit gift purchases often go undetected until after the holidays when the product fails, is returned for warranty, or causes an injury. Some are deadly.

Unlike authorized retailers, e-commerce websites have strict dispute timelines which are often expired for products purchased as gifts and exploited by sellers. Even if available, the dispute process can be frustrating and take months for a resolution. Counterfeiting is a profitable $1 trillion global criminal enterprise, and consumers are easily duped into losing billions on these websites and products.

Consumer Recourse
Trafficking in counterfeits is a crime with criminal and civil penalties. The Counterfeit Report offers this advice to consumers;

• Avoid all online purchases from China and unauthorized sellers. Buy online from the manufacturer direct, or authorized retailers with clear return policies.  
• Always buy with a credit card, never cash, PayPal withdrawals or wire transfers.
• When in doubt about a product, compare it with an authentic product at an authorized retailer.
• Always retain the product; it is your only proof of receiving a counterfeit. If returned, sellers will simply deny it is counterfeit and sell it to another unsuspecting consumer.
• Dispute the purchase and request a refund from the seller or website.
• If a refund is denied; notify your credit card company that you have retained the counterfeit product and are disputing the charge.
• Notify authorities that you received a counterfeit and have retained the product.

Consumers can easily submit information to TheCounterfeitReport.com website for the appropriate notifications.

Counterfeit products are a serious problem for e-commerce websites and consumers. With many retailers matching website prices, consumers are better served and protected using authorized retailers.

Website: www.TheCounterfeitReport.com

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