As the school year rolls in, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is sounding the alarm on counterfeit school supplies. In a recent statement, they provided essential tips on how consumers can avoid fake products that could potentially fund criminal activities. Families, eager to check items off their back-to-school shopping lists, may not realize the hidden costs of counterfeit goods.
The CBP and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce caution that illegal actors exploit the spike in demand for school supplies to sell counterfeit items. These counterfeit goods not only pose hazards to unwitting buyers but also funnel funds into nefarious activities, including terrorism. According to the CBP, consumers are advised to trust their instincts regarding suspicious deals and to secure their payments by looking for a browser lock symbol.
Attention to detail is another strong defense against counterfeits, advises the CBP. Shoppers should scrutinize labels, packaging, and the products themselves. Ensuring that electronic devices have the most recent cyber security measures is also key in protecting personal data from potential cyber threats that riding high on the back of good cybersecurity protections.
"We want to empower students and families with the information they need to make smart and safe choices," AnnMarie R. Highsmith, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Trade at CBP, told CBP. Consumers who encounter counterfeits should report them, an action that they can take through the CBP's Trade Violations Reporting Tool or by contacting the National Intellectual Property Rights Center.
"We’re proud to be teaming up again with CBP to provide consumers with tips for safe shopping," said Tom Quaadman, Executive Vice President at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center, as mentioned by the CBP. The counterfeit issue isn't small: in a recent fiscal year, the CBP seized over 23 million counterfeit items worth more than $2.7 billion had they been legitimate—a staggering sum that could have benefited legitimate businesses and the overall U.S. economy.
Concerns run deeper than economic impact, as counterfeit goods often contain unsuitable materials like lead, and faulty electronic components, leading to repeated purchases and filling up American landfills. To help combat this, consumers can refer to the "Shop Smart" resources offered by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the CBP's Truth Behind Counterfeits website for more information on avoiding fake products.
