Everybody wants a deal, and with a quick online search, you can find the best price on just about anything. Unfortunately, the “best price” sometimes leads to disappointment, especially when you end up buying a counterfeit item. Audio gear is no exception here — over the years, I’ve heard endless reports of fakes, ranging from Shure and Sennheiser mics, Gibson and Fender guitars, Neutrik XLRs, headphones and earbuds from every manufacturer, Duracell batteries and even Cat-5 network cabling and higher-end pro gear, such as Lab.gruppen amps, d&b audiotechnik and L-Acoustics speakers and more. And besides the usual imitation Rolexes, pharmaceuticals, designer clothing and consumer electronics that flood into our borders, the latest genre of fakes includes bogus Covid-19 test kits.
It’s big business. In fact, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates the global trade in counterfeit and pirated goods generates more than $500 billion in illicit proceeds annually. And this year, due to the supply chain crisis and shifting shopping habits, millions of shoppers are purchasing holiday gifts and other necessities online. Yet with the ease and convenience of direct-to-consumer purchasing, buyers must remain vigilant to be sure they receive authentic products.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently launched a “Shop Smart” educational campaign to help protect consumers and businesses from counterfeit goods. But that’s just apart of the solution. Last fiscal year, CBP seized more than 26,500 shipments that contained millions of counterfeit items. The next step is for you, as a buyer, to make sure you’re purchasing from an authorized seller or supplier. Be aware and buy smart.
Meanwhile, stay safe and have a great holiday season.
