Fake Products, Real Deaths
Counterfeit products are leading to deaths worldwide, particularly among vulnerable populations in Africa and Asia.
Impossible to Ignore
The counterfeit menace is killing people at rates comparable to, or higher than, some of humanity’s most urgent global challenges.
Already Big, Yet Growing Fast
Counterfeiting has always been a global issue, but it continues to accelerate with the rise of technology and challenges brought on by the COVID pandemic.
“Not My Problem” No Longer
This is no longer a problem confined to specific regions. Due to global logistics and supply chains, fake products are infiltrating even the most advanced and prosperous economies.
Counterfeiting Is Sophisticated
Counterfeiters have moved beyond small, shadowy operations. Their techniques have become highly advanced, and their fake products can be nearly indistinguishable from the originals.
Side Effects Include Death
The dangers of counterfeit products extend beyond food and pharmaceuticals. Fake electronics, toxic paint on toys, and unreliable automotive parts can have catastrophic, life-threatening consequences.
Big Incentives for Big Crime
Counterfeiters generate so much revenue from fake products that they can bribe officials or acquire technology to cover their tracks. They have both the motive and the means to continue their operations.
Easy to Make, Difficult to Catch
The increasingly sophisticated nature of counterfeit operations requires specialized skills and machinery to detect and eliminate fake products. This slows down efforts to trace and destroy counterfeits.
Genuine Shops, Fake Products
Buying from branded shops is no longer a foolproof way to avoid counterfeits. Fake products have infiltrated trusted showrooms and e-commerce platforms, often without the seller’s knowledge.
Seeing Is Not Knowing
Anti-counterfeit measures like holograms and barcodes are visible, but consumers often lack the time or expertise to verify their authenticity. Even internet-enabled verification pages can be faked.
Big Profits, Low Penalties
Legal penalties and enforcement efforts lag behind the enormous profits generated by counterfeit crimes. Consumers cannot afford to wait for authorities to solve the problem.
