Counterfeit merchandise are always likely to cause more harm to the end user in the case of counterfeit medications or counterfeit electronics that cause fires. Counterfeits hurt a lot of people, sometimes in actual physical ways. What’s the true cost of counterfeits? The problem is a lot more serious than you think.
Many consumers believe that brands should be primarily responsible for fighting back against counterfeit merchandise, but buyers can also become more aware of the issue to protect themselves as well. In Kenya, the most counterfeited goods in the market are mobile phones at 51.8 percent and alcohol at 30.8 percent.
Brands are responsible for monitoring sites where fakes and knock-offs are sold and pursuing legal action to get the offending products removed. It’s a lot more involved than just clicking a button most of the time the brand will need to monitor repeat offenders and ensure takedowns are enforced by online marketplace sites.
Consumers can also avoid buying counterfeit merchandise by following a few simple steps. First, make sure you only use authenticated sites and try to buy directly from the manufacturer whenever possible. It’s also helpful to be more aware of the product’s official logos, packaging, and its retail cost as well.
Keep an eye out for prices that are too good to be true often times they are. Read reviews and look for red flags, and ask the seller questions if you are unsure.
Brands are subject to regulatory oversight to make their products safe, and it’s not fair for counterfeits to ruin that hard-earned reputation by taking shortcuts for profits. Because so many counterfeits are so convincing and readily available.
The Multi-Layered Problem Of Counterfeits
Counterfeits are not the only crimes that occur when intellectual property is stolen and turned into an illicit product. Counterfeit merchandise doesn’t abide by rules and regulations, so products can contain contaminants like lead, not have the proper fire safety ratings, or could even cause injury or death depending on the product.
Cosmetics, skincare, medication, and supplements are often counterfeited. Fake products could poison the user. In addition to safety concerns, people and organizations that product counterfeit goods could be using them as a link in the chain of a much larger criminal organization.
Counterfeits could be sold to raise money to fund other illegal enterprises. The goods could be used with child labor or slave labor as they are manufactured outside of regulatory oversight. Websites that sell counterfeit merchandise could be used to scrape personal data and credit card numbers, which can be sold on the dark web for an additional profit.