The joint effort highlights the impact of counterfeit goods on the economy and the health and safety of consumers, and includes 10 back-to-school tips for shopping smart.
With millions of American students returning to the classroom, August is a busy time for parents and educators to stock up on everything they need for a successful school year. Unfortunately, it’s also a busy time for scammers looking to profit from selling counterfeit and potentially dangerous counterfeit goods to unsuspecting consumers. As of August 2022, CBP has seized approximately 17,000 counterfeit goods worth an estimated $2.4 billion. These counterfeit seizures included consumer electronics, footwear and clothing, to name a few.
“CBP is working closely with industry partners to warn shoppers of the dangers associated with purchasing counterfeit goods and how to be conscientious consumers,” said CBP’s Deputy Commissioner of Commerce John Leonard. said. “The allure of big deals is tempting, but the results are not worth the risk. Only shop from trusted sources, especially when shopping online.”
Buying a substandard counterfeit can save you money in the short term, but can significantly increase the cost of replacing the product if it breaks down quickly or presents a safety hazard. Counterfeiters lure customers with compelling advertising and low prices, but shoddy or potentially harmful products and materials are not worth the risk. Fake backpacks, pencils and electronic devices threaten student safety and cost parents even more money over time.
Leaders across the business community understand the dangers of counterfeit goods and are investing heavily and taking bold actions to protect their customers. For example, Nike Inc. donated its proprietary technology to her CBP through its Donation Acceptance Program to help authenticate various merchandise and prevent counterfeit goods from entering the United States. But companies and his CBP alone can’t do it. Counterfeit goods cost the global economy more than $500 billion annually. That’s why the Chamber of Commerce is partnering with her CBP to raise awareness nationwide and educate Americans about the dangers of counterfeit goods.
“Counterfeit goods are a danger to American families, especially children heading back to school,” said Casey Brill, vice president of brand protection at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center. , encourages parents to use these 10 smart shopping tips to protect their families from the dangers of counterfeit goods.”
To spread the word, CBP and the Chamber of Commerce are broadcasting a nationwide campaign to educate back-to-school shoppers about the dangers of counterfeit goods.
For more information on what you can do to shop smart for the back-to-school shopping season, see The Truth Behind Counterfeits | US Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov), Counterfeit Goods Recognition in Electronic Commerce (cbp.gov), and www.USChamber.com/shopsmart.
Follow the CBP Bureau of Trade on Twitter @CBPTradeGov.
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