Know these signs to avoid paying real money for counterfeit products
Be careful next time you purchase an expensive or exclusive product. Counterfeit items are popping up in cities across the region. Elaine Marshall, the NC Secretary of State, is putting out an alert warning shoppers to be vigilant.
Marshall is working to combat the counterfeit products, and state inspectors have begun cracking down.
She said, "We are getting better at what we do. Unfortunately, the counterfeits are getting better as well."
A closer look at some of the fake items inspectors have collected
The collected fakes include an assortment of Louis Vuitton look-alikes and fake perfumes -- even counterfeit phones and batteries.
On top of being a waste of money, the items have potential to be dangerous. Fake batteries can overheat and flare. Low-quality, fake perfumes can irritate the skin.
One of the state's largest busts occurred in August last year, when a Chapel Hill minister was caught with $24 million worth of knock-off Cartier Bracelets. Reverend Lan has been charged, and his operation was shut down.
Tips for protecting yourself from fake products
"If the price is too good to be true, it probably is fake," said Marshall.
Shoppers can also check for weak or bad packaging and crooked or misspelled labels.
When purchasing sportswear, examine the label. If it's sewn in over the binding – instead of under – that’s a pretty good sign it’s a counterfeit.
Marshall hopes these tips will help protect people's wallets and empower shoppers with the vigilance to protect themselves from fakes.
