OTTAWA (December 12, 2012) – The price may be attractive but the ultimate cost may be too high, warns the RCMP as holiday shoppers search for deals this season.
Counterfeit products pose a serious health and safety risk to people who purchase them because they are not subject to any type of testing and do not meet safety standards. These products can lead to serious personal injuries and even death.
Among the counterfeit items that police have seized are toothpaste, headphones, chain saws, hockey helmets, even light fixtures, automobile parts, circuit breakers, pharmaceuticals, shampoo, batteries and razor blades.
“Electrical products and batteries can cause fires and luxury fakes such as cosmetics and perfumes can cause allergic reactions and burns,” says S/Sgt, Kevin Fahey, of the National RCMP Intellectual Property Rights Section. “It really just isn’t worth it.”
For example, in recent months the RCMP has seized counterfeit cosmetics several times. In Ottawa, they were purchased through eBay, in Sarnia they were seized from a salon and in Toronto they were seized from a seagoing container arriving in Canada. Genuine cosmetic products are rigorously tested and must comply with Canadian law in order to be sold to the public. Counterfeit makeup and perfume, however, is unregulated and may contain unknown chemicals.
Other safety hazards of fake products can include:
- Counterfeit toys could have dangerous paint, are not untested for choking hazard, or contain unsanitary stuffing or flammable fabric;
- Counterfeit smart phones and chargers with falsified safety certification that can cause electrocution;
- Counterfeit razors with faulty welding can cause scarring.
Between 2005 and 2011, the RCMP has seen a yearly increase in the number of reported occurrences involving counterfeit and pirated products. This number reached 876 occurrences in 2011. The RCMP has also confiscated pirated and counterfeit products worth tens of millions of dollars. In 2011, the total retail value of goods seized is estimated at over $67.5 million.
“According to information gathered by INTERPOL, organized crime groups use the profits from trading in counterfeit or fake goods such as handbags or sunglasses to fund other criminal activities such as drug trafficking and people smuggling,” says Insp. Glenn Martindale, Director of INTERPOL Ottawa.
With holiday shopping well underway, the RCMP wants to encourage the public to only purchase gifts from reputable retailers. Counterfeit products can usually be spotted with a few simple checks prior to purchasing any item.
- Price – much lower than average, too good to be true.
- Packaging – poor quality graphics, spelling mistakes, appearance.
- Products normally sold as a package are being sold individually.
- Missing labels, name brand or certification.
While enforcement is necessary, making an impact on this crime also requires public awareness and enhanced agency partnerships. The RCMP works closely with its partners, including Health Canada, Canada Border Services Agency and private industry to educate consumers, retailers, law enforcement, and government agencies on the serious health and safety consequences of modern day counterfeit products.
Anyone with information regarding the sale or production of counterfeit merchandise is asked to contact their local police department or RCMP detachment. Persons who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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