U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Louisville intercepted 28 shipments of counterfeit designer jewelry in January, including fake watches, bracelets, and rings. These shipments, primarily originating from China and Hong Kong, were destined for various locations across the United States.
Had the jewelry been genuine, it would have carried a combined Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) exceeding $27 million.
LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations for the Chicago Field Office, highlighted the negative impact of counterfeit goods on U.S. businesses, which lose billions of dollars annually. “Counterfeit goods are poor quality products that cost U.S. businesses billions of dollars a year while robbing our country of jobs and tax revenues,” Sutton-Burke stated.
CBP officers are committed to preventing the smuggling of counterfeit items, which often fund organized crime and present potential dangers to consumers. In 2024, approximately 90% of counterfeit items seized by CBP came from China and Hong Kong.
To avoid purchasing counterfeit products, authorities recommend buying directly from the trademark holder or authorized retailers. Consumers should also be wary of prices that seem too good to be true, as they often indicate counterfeit items.
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