Watch out for counterfeits

Counterfeiting is a huge global problem, with millions of imitation goods being produced and sold every year.

These goods are deliberately manufactured to resemble well-known brands. One reason for the increase in counterfeiting is the availability of new technology.

Modern computers, printers and scanners have made producing fake logos and packaging much easier for criminals.

For many, buying a counterfeit item may seem like a good way to purchase designer items at knockdown prices. However, consumers often do not realise that part of the reason these goods are cheaper than the real thing is because they are badly made, and sometimes even dangerous. RTB Consumer news brings you this report.

Have you ever encountered a situation whereby a branded product delivered an item of very poor quality? Although the packaging would have appeared almost like a genuine, chances are that you may have been tricked by a fake.

Counterfeiting is as much a part of organised crime these days as drugs. Counterfeiters' profits now come from quantity rather than quality.

According to RTB Consumer Unit, counterfeit goods could pose a threat to our health and safety.

The issue is not just about fake designer T-shirts and jeans at the back of the market. It is counterfeit medicines and car parts, for example, that threatens our health and even our lives.

When you think of counterfeit goods, you might think of watches, perfumes, pens and handbags, but the issue goes beyond counterfeit clothes and accessories. Now RTB Consumer Unit wants consumers to look at the bigger picture.

Relying on brand name household products, one can expect a certain level of quality from everything ranging from medications, to auto parts, to small appliances.

But consumers should pay closer attention because counterfeiters are selling cheaply made products, which could cause problems that people wouldn't have imagined until it happened. Problems like the potential fire hazard that comes with electrical devices bearing a fake UL, seal of approval. Such a seal is supposed to mean the product has undergone thorough testing and is considered safe. From fake designer sunglasses that offer no UV protection, to pirated and sometimes virus-laden computer software.

Car parts are also frequently counterfeited - fake suspension parts, brake pads and discs, and even steering linkages - all of which could prove fatal should they fail to function.

We are often happy to pay more for a label we like, but with counterfeit culture more common than ever, can we be sure what we are buying is the genuine article?

RTB consumer research team put the selected consumers to the test, to see if they can tell the differences between counterfeit and original. Of the 10 consumers being tested, six had no idea of the counterfeits. It has become very frustrating nowadays for consumers when purchasing branded goods in Brunei.

You are obviously far less at risk of buying counterfeit goods if you shop at well established retailers than from someone selling out of a suitcase.

Remember that if you do decide to buy something from non-established traders, and later discover that the items are not what they appear to be, you will have no comeback as it unlike purchasing from an established company.

If you are tempted to buy, examine any item you are thinking of buying carefully. Poor quality labels and packaging can often indicate that the items inside are not genuine.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin