How to avoid counterfeit and unsafe products online
Oct 22, 2024
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Kari Kammel, Director of the Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection at Michigan State University, shares her expertise on avoiding online counterfeit products. She reveals that nearly 70% of people have unintentionally bought fakes. Kari offers practical tips for identifying red flags, underscores the importance of shopping from reputable brands, and discusses the potential health risks associated with counterfeit goods. Additionally, she highlights the significance of consumer vigilance and using legal protections like the Informed Consumers Act.
Nearly 70 percent of consumers encountered counterfeit products online last year, highlighting the prevalence of this issue and its dangers.
To ensure product safety, buyers should purchase directly from trusted sources and meticulously verify seller information on e-commerce platforms.
Deep dives
Understanding Counterfeits and Their Risks
Counterfeit products are unauthorized imitations designed to profit from the reputation of established brands. They encompass a wide range of items, from luxury goods to everyday consumer products, including electronics and pharmaceuticals. The danger of counterfeit products is significant, as they can be substandard, break easily, or even pose health risks due to dangerous materials. Various studies have shown that counterfeit medications may contain harmful substances, potentially leading to severe health issues for unsuspecting consumers.
Best Practices for Online Shopping
To avoid counterfeit products while shopping online, consumers should prioritize purchasing directly from trusted brands or manufacturers. When using e-commerce platforms like Amazon, it’s crucial to check who is selling the product by looking for the seller's name listed on the product page. Buying from third-party sellers can introduce added risks, as the authenticity of the products may not be guaranteed. Thoroughly investigating seller information and being cautious about deals that seem too good to be true can help shoppers make safer choices.
Recognizing and Reporting Counterfeits
Identifying counterfeit items after purchase can be challenging, but there are steps consumers can take to validate their products. If there's suspicion of a counterfeit, it is advisable to cease use immediately and report it to the selling platform, ensuring proper action is taken. Additionally, reaching out to the legitimate brand can help verify the product’s authenticity and inform consumers if it’s unsafe. Consumers should also be aware that even non-counterfeit products can be unsafe, so vigilance in product examination remains essential to ensure safety and quality.
Nearly 70 percent of people were deceived into buying a counterfeit product online at least once last year, according to research from Michigan State University. And buying knockoff versions of products can be dangerous. Kari Kammel, the director at the Center for Anti Counterfeiting and Product Protection at Michigan State University, shares tips for how to avoid counterfeit and unsafe products, especially online.