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Inspectors Report Increase in Counterfeit Merchandise

At this time of year when there are plenty of sales happening, consumers that are taking advantage of bargains may be exposing themselves to fake and dangerous products that also hurts the economy. San Francisco is one of the major entry points for counterfeit goods. The U.S. postal facility at San Francisco International Airport has each package checked by inspectors that goes through the assembly line. They can find anything from weapons to counterfeit merchandise. Inspectors are frequently seizing counterfeit Nikes, Polo Shirts, and other assorted items. The inspectors say that there is a major impact on the economy, which is worldwide.

"There's been estimates ranging anywhere from $7 billion dollars a year and $25 billion dollars a year, depending on who you ask.” says Dario Rocha from the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. Just in San Francisco 20 to 150 counterfeit shipments can be seized each day. Most of the counterfeit items can be found for sale at flea markets and street vendors. Some consumers buy these counterfeits unknowingly and those who do not care if an item is fake are lured by the cheap prices. Custom officials state that counterfeit items can pose a danger. Electronic products that are counterfeit can set on fire because they do not work properly. This is also one of the reasons why Customs are trying to stop counterfeit goods from being sold. Levi Strauss is one company that is greatly affected by these fake imitations; they end up taking several million counterfeit Levis off the streets every year. You should look carefully at the stitching and the fabric on the piece of clothing you are planning to buy if you are in doubt about the quality of the product. There is a test available from the International Anti-Counterfeiting Association where you can try to spot an imitation piece of clothing.