(music throughout)
We all buy stuff online – it’s often quick, easy, and cheap. But is it always safe?
In the U.S., we import over a billion small packages every year
and many contain fake goods that can pose real dangers.
Like baby formula or cosmetics made with unknown ingredients,
counterfeit prescription medications containing harmful chemicals,
toys and crafts made with lead paint or other environmentally hazardous materials,
faulty counterfeit car parts, bogus electronics that can catch fire…
The list goes on and on.
Not only can fake goods pose serious health and safety risks to you and your family,
they also waste your hard-earned money, contribute to loss of American jobs,
and support criminal activity like human trafficking or forced labor.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is looking out for the American consumer.
Before goods reach your doorstep, CBP monitors packages coming into the U.S.
to stop those containing fake or dangerous goods.
But we can also use your help to keep you safe.
When shopping online, be sure to:
Purchase goods directly from the manufacturer or another reputable source.
Read reviews and look at product photos, check resellers, and inspect product
packaging for obvious errors, like misspellings.
And always use common sense – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
To learn more about the dangers of counterfeits and what you can do, visit
cbp.gov/trade/fakegoodsrealdangers