As holiday shopping revs up, Homeland Security Investigations is asking you to take extra care with your purchase so you don’t fall victim to counterfeit merchandise.
Typically, any focus on holiday counterfeiting deals with funny money — but Special Agent Scott Titus says bad merch is becoming an increasing problem.
Sporting apparel is one major category, especially in and around Kansas City with the ongoing success of the Chiefs and relatively-recent success of the Royals. Titus says issues with apparel can be evident with just a quick look at the merchandise.
Technology is another, and Titus says those issues likely won’t be nearly as visible — using last year’s run on iPhones across the Kansas City area as an example.
Another category of concern is health and beauty products, including baby products.
Homeland Security Investigations social media has also demonstrated a lot of counterfeit jewelry seizures since early October.
This type of crime can be referred to as “victimless,” but Titus says it’s anything but. Counterfeit merchandise undercuts legitimate retailers and it eliminates tax revenue to cities and counties. Investigations typically go back from websites or street vendors to large international distributors, largely based in China.
If you suspect you’re dealing with a dealer of counterfeit items or if you believe you have been scammed, call the Homeland Security Investigations tip line at 866-347-2423 or go online to iprcenter.gov.
