Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in Pittsburgh have seized over two dozen counterfeit luxury items, including Rolex watches and high-end designer sunglasses. The goods, if genuine, would have been worth approximately $573,000, according to CBP officials.
Counterfeit Goods Seized in Pittsburgh
The seizure occurred on April 27, when officers inspected a shipment that arrived from the United Arab Emirates.
Although the shipment was declared as handbags, officers found that it contained 13 counterfeit Rolex watches and 12 pairs of designer sunglasses branded with names like Burberry, Chanel, and Gucci.
Suspicious of the authenticity of the items, CBP officers detained the goods for further inspection. Working with trade experts and trademark holders, it was confirmed that the products were counterfeit.
Why Counterfeit Products Are Dangerous
CBP officials warn that counterfeit goods are often made from substandard materials, which can pose a safety risk to consumers.
Additionally, the agency highlights concerns that these items may be manufactured in facilities that use forced labor.
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“Unsuspecting consumers could be victimized twice by counterfeit products, such as these fake Rolex watches, because they may end up paying close to authentic prices for cheaper knockoffs, and they’ll learn that the product isn’t warrantied should it need repair,” said James Hindes, CBP’s acting port director in Pittsburgh.
Protecting Consumers and the Economy
CBP continues to stress the importance of purchasing authentic consumer goods from reputable retailers to avoid falling victim to counterfeit scams.
Not only can these knockoffs be a financial loss, but they may also compromise the health and safety of those who purchase them.
The seizure is part of CBP’s ongoing efforts to stop the flow of counterfeit goods entering the United States and protect consumers from unsafe products.
Have you ever unknowingly purchased a counterfeit item? Share your thoughts in the comments below! For more updates on such cases and tips on how to avoid counterfeit products, visit ridgecrestpact.org.
