How to Avoid Counterfeit Goods Online

Last Updated: June 6, 2021

With the rise of online marketplaces like Amazon comes the rise of third-party sellers that try to sell "knock-off" or counterfeit goods. These goods are usually of inferior quality and hurt the reputation of the product that they are imitating. It can be difficult to spot counterfeit goods online, but by performing a few checks before you buy, you can make sure that you are getting the real thing and not a knock-off. ^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Before Buying

Their products will have a signature look and appearance with their logos appearing in the same places every time. For example, the iPhone, Google Pixel, and Surface devices all have a distinct look that is difficult for a counterfeiter to replicate. You can use this to then later spot check to see if the good you got was legit.
2
Check the publisher. The publisher name should be exactly the same as the manufacturer of the good you are buying. So if you are buying an Apple charger, you should check that the product was actually listed by Apple.
- Watch for typos. If the seller's name is not correctly spelled, then it is definitely a fake. So if your copy of "Microsoft" Windows is being sold by "Mircosoft", then you are definitely not getting the real thing.
- Some sites like Amazon and Best Buy allow you to click on the publisher to view their page. The verified publisher's page will usually be decorated in a similar manner to their company's website or have a verification mark indicating that the account matches that of the company in question.
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If you are getting something for a much lower or higher price than what is advertised on the company's website, you may be getting a counterfeit. For example, if you purchase a $2500 laptop for $750, you may be getting a fake or knock-off.
4
Check the reviews. The reviews of counterfeit goods are usually more negative. While there is no way to be sure, if the reviews are mostly negative, then you should be cautious before buying.
- If the reviews are mostly positive, that does not mean that the good is legit either, as many counterfeiters create fake accounts to try to bolster the product.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

After Buying

The packaging may look duller or more worn-down because counterfeiters often use inexpensive techniques to mass-produce their products. There may also be typos or misspellings, or it may be in a completely foreign language.
2
Carefully inspect the product. The real product has certain key details that make it distinguishable from fakes. For example, real iPhones use a reflective ink and a unique font. If the details do not seem as if you'd expect, then there is a chance you got a counterfeit.
- Feel the product. A product from a reputable seller like Samsung will feel sturdy and will wear down less. A knock-off will not have the same feel.
3
Contact the marketplace for a refund if you got a counterfeit. They will also be able to take action against the seller, including delisting their products and/or banning them from listing additional products.
- If the marketplace does not refund you your money, you can dispute the charges with your bank or credit card company.
- Consider reporting the seller to https://www.stopfakes.gov/ in the United States. They can take action against counterfeit sellers in the United States as well as help other countries like China crack down on intellectual property laws.
4
Understand the dangers of counterfeits. Buying counterfeits may support transnational criminal organizations like gangs and terrorist groups. Using counterfeits may introduce you to hazards that the real products do not pose.
- For example, counterfeit chargers may catch fire because they are missing essential safety circuits. This actually happened to Apple in 2015 with reports of fake iPhone chargers catching fire.
- Counterfeit drugs are even more dangerous as they can potentially poison you.
- Counterfeit batteries may catch fire or explode as they were not manufactured with safety in mind.
- Counterfeit equipment and machinery may be dangerous to use. Counterfeit ladders may break creating a fall hazard, and counterfeit drills and drill parts may break or shatter, potentially injuring the consumer.
- Remember that counterfeiters are only looking for a way to make an extra buck and do not care about the consumer in any way.
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Tips

Consider buying directly from the manufacturer. That way, you can always be sure that you are getting what you are expecting. While it may be more of a hassle and/or more expensive than on other marketplaces, it guarantees that you get the real deal, every time.

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You are more likely to encounter counterfeit listings on sites where anyone can sell products, like eBay or Craigslist.

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There is a service called Fake Spot that analyzes listings and determines whether they contain fake reviews.

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Warnings

Do not buy or use counterfeit products. By buying these, you may be supporting transnational criminal organizations. Your usage of the product could also be potentially dangerous.

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How to Avoid Counterfeit Goods Online

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