How Safe Shopping Protects Our Families and Communities

Families across the country are welcoming the new school year. Whether it’s crayons and glue, the latest laptop, or a new pair of sneakers, families will buy a range of goods as the school bell rings and students return to campus. This means it’s never been more important for parents to be aware of the risks of purchasing counterfeit goods. While they may appear less expensive, fakes pose serious health and safety risks to our students, meaning families pay twice: Once with their wallets and again with their well-being.  

As the Acting Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Trade, I’ve witnessed new challenges emerge in the back-to-school shopping season firsthand. It makes me wince when CBP seizes counterfeit products that look just like the items I bought for my children at this time of year. I could have easily sent my own kids to school with some of these same products without thinking about how it could impact their health and safety. At CBP, we’ve seen a range of counterfeit products targeting back-to-school shoppers, including headphones with faulty wiring, fake laptops with embedded malware, and knock-off clothing that can be traced back to forced labor.   

Knowing that counterfeit sales are a major source of profit for transnational criminal organizations, it’s also important for students and parents to understand that purchasing counterfeit goods can directly finance terrorist organizations actively working against the United States. Our collective assignment? To examine why and how goods are being sold so cheaply. That deal on the latest must-have laptop? Perhaps it’s because the workers producing these and other products are subjected to inhumane working and living conditions. Is a cheap notebook worth someone else’s safety and freedom? 

Despite the clear risks and drawbacks associated with counterfeits, they remain widely available. In fiscal year 2023, CBP seized more than 23 million counterfeit items that were infringing on protected trademarks or copyrights. Had these counterfeit items been genuine, they would have been worth over $2.7 billion. The incentives for the counterfeiters are clear: They want your money. Don’t give it to them.  

As Executive Vice President at the U.S. Chamber, I witness the pride the business community takes in partnering with CBP in the fight against counterfeits. As (A)DEAC Brophy laid out, the counterfeit goods industry puts the livelihoods of Americans at risk and is a direct threat to American innovation and economic growth. U.S. Chamber calculations estimate that counterfeits drain $500 billion a year from the global economy – about $1,500 per person in the U.S. – and cost an estimated 325,000 American jobs. Every day at the U.S. Chamber, we work with businesses to safeguard consumers from the perils of illicit trade and secure policies that strengthen enforcement of IP rights.  

Counterfeit goods seriously jeopardize the health and safety of shoppers and their families. From eyeshadow and lip gloss to lotions and soaps, many counterfeits contain dangerous materials like heavy metals, which can be especially harmful to children. Counterfeit electronics, like phone chargers, may melt or explode, and counterfeit toys often conceal hidden choking hazards. 

Counterfeiters don’t invest in research, development, or quality assurance testing that the business community takes pride in, which means they can set impossibly low prices by passing the risk on to you. Not only does this eat up market share and rob communities of legitimate revenue, but it also discourages innovation and puts consumers in real danger.  

Whether it’s back-to-school electronics, sports equipment, school supplies, or clothing, the message from business and law enforcement is clear: Counterfeit goods don’t make the grade. 

As you’re making your back-to-school shopping list, it’s important to ensure counterfeit goods don’t make it into your basket. You can Shop Smart and keep your family safe by following these best practices:

1. Trust your instincts: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. So, if a deal or product seems off, it’s best to stay away.  
2. Prioritize secure payments: When shopping online, only buy from sites that begin with “https://” – the ‘s’ stands for secure. Also, check for a lock symbol in your browser to confirm the site’s safety.  
3. Examine every detail: Pay close attention to labels, packaging, and contents. Watch out for out-of-date perishable items, broken or missing safety seals, missing warranty information, or unusual packaging.  
4. Protect your data: Keep all your devices, including computers and smartphones, updated with the latest cyber security protections to fend off potential cyber threats.  
5. Say something: Spread awarenessamong your friends, family, and coworkers aboutcounterfeit goods. If you encounter a fake good, report it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection or the National Intellectual Property Rights Center. 

It’s never too early to get your kids involved. They can learn responsible consumer practices through the resources and games offered by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.  

Stay safe, keep learning, and we hope everyone has a great school year!

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About the authors

Rose Brophy

Tom Quaadman

Tom Quaadman develops and executes strategic policies to implement a global corporate financial reporting system, address ongoing attempts of minority shareholder abuse of the proxy system, communicate the benefits of efficient American capital markets, and promote an innovation economy and the long-term interests of all investors.

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