The Dangers Of Buying Counterfeit Products: A Smart Buyer’s Guide

Counterfeit products are relatively cheaper and easier to find than the original ones. People who buy counterfeits are usually those who are pressured to follow the trending items which happen to be the expensive brands in the market. Some do it for social recognition, especially when the counterfeits look exactly like that of the original. However, buying fake products entails dangers, legal- and health-wise, for the buyers.

Buying counterfeit products exposes the buyer to risks of injuries. Sunglasses are one of the most counterfeited products. These fake glasses never passed the safety standards imposed on such goods. Sunglasses are to be a shield from the harmful UV radiation. Fake glasses without this protection will highly cause a disruption of the eye functions and even cancer and blindness. 

Counterfeit toys, on the other hand, contain harmful levels of chemicals not suited for children. Since these counterfeit products do not pass the safety and quality standards, buyers are exposing their children to the dangers of toxic materials and small parts ingestion due to poorly built parts.

Buying counterfeit products poses health risks to the physical being of the buyer. Counterfeit cosmetics have been found to contain toxic ingredients that can disrupt the skin, cause breakouts and result in allergic reactions. There are reports of women experiencing swollen and puffy lips, chemical burns, and skin rashes brought by their use of counterfeit makeup. 

Same goes with fake medicines. Doctors are warning consumers to be wary of the pills and medicines they buy for counterfeit medicines contain rat poison, mercury, cement, arsenic, and wrong levels of active ingredients. 

Buying counterfeit products exposes the buyers to criminal liability. Under the federal law, the use of counterfeit currency carries a conviction of up to twenty years in jail. Buying counterfeit products then reselling them carries the harsh penalty of up to ten years in jail and a fine of $2 million maximum, for a first time offender. Counterfeit products are those that carry the mark and logo of a popular brand yet they are manufactured by a person or entity not authorized by the said brand. This is usually done with the malicious intent to make money from the brand’s popularity. 

Brands are operating legally and giving jobs to thousands of people. Buying counterfeit products means you are supporting illegal businesses instead of legitimate companies who are giving livelihood to people around the globe. Entities that produce counterfeit products are usually those involved in human trafficking and forced labor. 

Buying counterfeit products and then reselling them is a serious crime. You may also face legal liabilities when you import counterfeit goods and bring them to your country. Be a smart consumer by finding the difference between the original and fake ones, and by being wary of the companies and people that sell them. Purchase only authentic ones from authorized distributors and official stores to avoid these risks and hazards.