Raids Reveal Counterfeit Goods Intended For Holiday Sales

The LA Times reports that the Los Angeles Police Department seized over $4 million dollars worth of counterfeit goods. Some of the counterfeit goods seized were music CDs, DVDs of movies currently in theaters such as Tron, and fashion counterfeit goods. The raids were done in conjunction with LA's antipiract task force as well as investigators from private industries.

Why should holiday shoppers care? According to City Controller Wendy Greuel, People who make counterfeit goods are stealing, plain and simple. This should serve as a wake-up call, not only to criminals that produce and sell these goods, but to all holiday shoppers out there."

Holiday shoppers looking for a bargain should beware that buying counterfeit goods actually fuel dangerous activities in their own communities. For example, buying counterfeit goods can help fund criminal gangs. It also costs local businesses close to $5.2 billion in lost revenue and $4.4 billion in lost wages each year.

Here are some tips that can help you avoid unwittingly buying a knockoff:

• Buy from well known retailers or local retailers listed on a brand's website.
  
• Be wary of "deals" that require purchases with cash.
  
• Look at the item in question for any loose stitching or shoddy workmanship.

Have a happy and safe holiday season!