Detecting counterfeit goods

The growth and proliferation of counterfeit products and services now means that most people - whether vendors or consumers - are likely to come across counterfeits at some time or another. But how can the unsuspecting seller or purchaser tell if a product is likely to be a counterfeit or not.

While it is not always easy to detect counterfeits - although generally they are sub-standard and of a lower quality - there are a number of possible ways in which the suspicions may be aroused:

• Where have the products come from?
• Do the products carry the manufacturers name or guarantee?
• What does the packaging or labelling look like?
• Does the product or contents look or smell right?
• How does the price compare with what is expected?

Where did the products come from?

1. While not a total guarantee, if products are supplied or sold by a reputable manufacturer or outlet, then the more likely it is that you will have genuine product.

2. Purchasing from car boot sales, street stalls or unauthorised sellers is likely to increase the risk of buying counterfeit and fake goods.

Do the products have a manufacturers name and guarantee?

3. Check to see whether the manufacturer’s name, any relevant trademarks or copyright are shown on the product, packaging or labels. If not, suspect that the product may be a counterfeit and check with the supplier or vendor.

4. With many goods you should expect to receive a guarantee or warranty. If you are in doubt check with the supplier or vendor whether the goods are approved and guaranteed.

5. Look to see whether there are any unusual terms, conditions or disclaimers in the warranty/guarantee and, again, if in doubt check with the manufacturer or vendor.

What does the packaging and labelling look like?

6. Check the spelling of the brand, product or manufacturer’s name. If spelt wrongly suspect that they might be fakes.

7. Check the quality of the printing on the packaging or labels. Poor quality printing, blurred or fuzzy edges, unusual looking colours, wrong type sizes, etc, may indicated that the originals may have been re-scanned or photocopied.

8. Be cautious of changes to designs and packs that have not be highlighted or announced by the manufacturers.

9. Make sure that the packaging or labels carry the usual expected bar codes or manufacturers codes - and the required consumer or safety information.

Do the contents look and smell right?

10. Changes in the expected look and colour of a product or contents, or an unexpected smell or taste to the goods or contents, should arouse suspicions.

How does the price compare?

11. Goods that are on sale at a substantially lower price than the normal selling price should be suspect – unless they are in a reputable manufacturer’s or vendors sale.