DALLAS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents seized 11 counterfeit Richard Mille watches shipped from China at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
If the watches had been authentic, the suggested retail price would have been $2.6 million, CBP officials said.
What we know:
The Chinese shipments were destined for several locations in the southeastern United States.
Trade experts from CBP’s Center of Excellence and Expertise reviewed the articles and determined that they were false.
Authorities seized the watches because they had counterfeit versions of trademarks.
What we don’t know:
Authorities have not revealed the identities of those involved.
What they say:
“The sale of counterfeit products often funds criminal organizations involved in money laundering, drug trafficking and other illicit exchanges,” said Jayson Ahern, CBP Regional Port Director. “Our CBP officers are on the front lines every day guarding against fraudsters, while protecting legitimate American businesses that are often harmed by these criminal organizations.”
The dangers of counterfeit products
Why you should care:
Officials say illegitimate sales are among the most lucrative transnational crimes.
High-risk items include cosmetics, medications, children’s toys and auto parts. These counterfeits pose major health and safety risks while harming legitimate American businesses.
What you can do:
CBP shared several tips to help consumers detect counterfeits and protect themselves:
- Buy products directly from the brand owner or from authorized retailers.
- When shopping online, read seller reviews and look for a working U.S. phone number and an address that can be used to contact the seller.
- View CBP’s Consumer E-Commerce Counterfeiting Awareness Guide.
- Remember, if a product’s price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
The source : The information in this article comes from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
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