As the new school year kicks off, families across Arizona are gearing up for back-to-school shopping. However, before you load up your cart with school supplies, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have an urgent warning: counterfeit goods are flooding the market, and these seemingly harmless items could pose serious risks to your family’s safety.
Every year, illegal sellers take advantage of the surge in demand for school supplies, offering counterfeit products at irresistible prices. But these deals come with a dark side. Counterfeit goods, which often contain harmful materials like lead and substandard electronics, can endanger your children and lead to repeated purchases due to poor quality. Even more alarming, the proceeds from these fake goods often fund dangerous criminal activities, including terrorism.
“Parents need to be vigilant this back-to-school season,” said AnnMarie R. Highsmith, Executive Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Trade at CBP. “Counterfeit items may seem like a bargain, but they can put your kids’ health at risk and support illegal activities that harm our communities.”
To help protect your family and make informed decisions, CBP and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce offer these essential tips for safe shopping:
- Trust Your Instincts: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid purchasing items that don’t look or feel right.
- Prioritize Secure Payments: When shopping online, look for a lock symbol in your browser to ensure the website is secure.
- Examine Every Detail: Pay close attention to labels, packaging, and contents. Counterfeit goods often have telltale signs of poor craftsmanship.
- Protect Your Data: Keep your electronic devices updated with the latest cybersecurity protections to avoid potential threats.
- Say Something: If you encounter a suspicious product, report it to CBP through their Trade Violations Reporting Tool or the National Intellectual Property Rights Center.
“We’re proud to be partnering with CBP to provide consumers with the tools they need to stay safe,” said Tom Quaadman, Executive Vice President at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center. “By making smart choices, families can protect themselves and support legitimate businesses that strengthen our economy.”
In Fiscal Year 2023 alone, CBP seized over 23 million counterfeit items, which would have been worth more than $2.7 billion if genuine. These fake goods not only jeopardize consumer safety but also undermine law-abiding businesses that contribute to job creation and economic growth.
This back-to-school season, take the extra steps to ensure your purchases are genuine. Your family’s safety and the well-being of your community depend on it.
