Shopping campaign highlights risks, offers tips to avoid fake products.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have launched a nationwide campaign to educate Christmas shoppers on the dangers of counterfeit goods.
“There are significant health and safety hazards associated with counterfeit products,” said Executive Assistant Commissioner AnnMarie Highsmith in CBP’s Office of Trade. “We’ve seen it all – toys with elevated lead content to cosmetics with nasty ingredients you wouldn’t want on your skin. These aren’t the gifts you want to give to your family.”
Criminal entities exploit the holiday rush to sell fake goods, using the profits to fund illegal activities. Consumers are encouraged to avoid counterfeit items by staying alert for deals that seem too good to be true, checking for secure websites when shopping online, and inspecting product packaging for signs of fraud.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President for Economic Policy Tom Quaadman emphasized the importance of safe shopping practices to ensure product quality, support the economy, and reduce waste. In Fiscal Year 2024, CBP seized over 32 million counterfeit items valued at more than $5.4 billion if genuine.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Executive Assistant Commissioner Highsmith to be led by the Lord as she oversees CBP’s Office of Trade.
- That Senior Vice President Quaadman would be prudent in his role at the Chamber of Commerce.
- For American shoppers to be discerning in their purchases and avoid potentially harmful counterfeit goods.
Sources: Customs and Border Protection
