Solar Eclipse Exposes Amazon’s Dark Web
Counterfeits Flood E-commerce Websites
August 17, 2017, Los Angeles, CA – America’s Aug. 21 Total Solar Eclipse has also created a unique glimpse into Amazon's massive counterfeit product platform.
"Sellers of fake solar eclipse glasses have a unique opportunity to exploit the weaknesses of e-commerce websites in a short period of time," says Craig Crosby, publisher of The Counterfeit Report, a consumer advocate and industry watchdog.
The problem is that anybody, anywhere, can sell just about anything on Amazon, including counterfeit glasses that may be dangerous. Allowing third-party seller listings gives the impression that Amazon endorses the product and that consumers are buying from Amazon, when in fact they are not. Consumers that purchase from Amazon have no guarantee of the authenticity of the product, despite what the listing may claim or the seller's feedback rating.
Amazon has responded to this exposure with a broad-based approach, removing some legitimate and counterfeit glasses listed on Amazon. The company said Sunday that it contacted and issued refunds to some customers who purchased glasses on Amazon that "may not comply with industry standards." This is an unusual practice for Amazon, who normally does not notify buyers they purchased a counterfeit, dangerous or potentially deadly product.
Buyers should be very wary of purchasing any item unless it comes directly from the manufacturer or authorized retailer. Counterfeiters are very good at creating visually deceptive products, packaging, certification labels and documentation that easily deceive consumers.
Amazon is a case in point: it is a market platform that presents products from any of three distinct sources, including 2-million global Marketplace account holders (about 50% of Amazon’s business) who can ship counterfeit products, which are never inspected by Amazon, from all over the world. Buyers must look very closely to determine the source of items;
“In Amazon's quest to be the low-cost provider of everything on the planet, the website has morphed into the world's largest flea market — a chaotic, somewhat lawless, bazaar with unlimited inventory” says a recent CNBC report.
If Amazon wants to maintain any consumer trust, they need to cleanse dishonest and fraudulent sellers and close counterfeit loopholes. Web platforms that facilitate criminal activity and benefit from the proceeds of dishonest actions which impact jobs, consumer safety and public trust create a public perception of deception and impunity.
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