Beware of Counterfeit Products During Summer Months: Don't Compromise Your Vacation!
the sale of counterfeit goods increases by 9% during the summertime. If consumers are not careful, they may come across fake sunscreens, sunglasses, makeup products, and even charging devices
As temperatures begin to rise, consumers eagerly anticipate enjoying the sun and embracing a fun-filled season. Many people concentrate on online shopping platforms, preparing to purchase their essential items for summertime. However, amidst this exciting time, a significant danger emerges , counterfeit products. According to recent research, the sale of counterfeit goods increases by 9% during the summertime. If consumers are not careful, they may come across fake sunscreens, sunglasses, makeup products, and even charging devices. But how safe are the products we buy?
- Counterfeit Sunscreens:
With global warming and skin cancer rates on the rise, the use of sunscreen has started to gain attention among consumers.
Exploiting the increasing demand for sunscreens, fraudsters are using the packaging of well-known brands to introduce these products with different ingredients into the market at a lower cost. Counterfeit sunscreens fail to provide sufficient protection, making the skin more susceptible to harmful UV rays from the sun. Prolonged exposure to the sun increases the risk of skin cancer. Moreover, the harmful ingredients used in these counterfeit products can trigger allergic reactions on the skin. In 2022, Mr. Yen Feng experienced serious health issues after purchasing counterfeit sunscreen from an e-commerce website.
2. Counterfeit Sunglasses:
Direct exposure to UV and UVB rays from the sun can lead to conditions such as cataracts and vision loss.
Daniel Hardiman-McCartney, a clinical adviser at The College of Optometrists, urges people to be cautious when buying sunglasses this summer.
"Although counterfeit designer sunglasses may look appealing, they often do not provide adequate protection against dangerous UV rays. This can put many individuals at risk of developing serious eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration, leading to vision loss. It is essential to know what to look for to ensure that your sunglasses provide the appropriate level of UV protection. Always buy sunglasses with the UV label."
The 2019 United Kingdom customs report revealed that 41 million counterfeit goods with a total value of 673 million euros were seized that year. Officials reported confiscating over 146,000 counterfeit sunglasses. This rate has significant consequences both economically and health-wise.
3. Counterfeit Makeup Products:
With the beginning of summer, the demand for makeup and cosmetic products has further increased. The cosmetics industry, valued at approximately 262 billion dollars, undoubtedly presents an irresistible opportunity for counterfeiters.
Using counterfeit makeup products can lead to infections. Symptoms such as watery eyes, itching, swelling, and redness may occur. The regular use of these products with harmful ingredients can lead to long-term health issues, including hormonal imbalances, skin damage, and respiratory problems.
Building trust between consumers and brands becomes crucial as summer brings new consumer habits. To protect consumers from being caught unprepared, brand protection efforts become even more critical during the summer months. Counterfeit product usage and sales, which significantly impact areas like economy, health, and safety, tarnish brand reputations. Taking strong measures against counterfeiting in various fields, Counterfake continues to work tirelessly to protect brands and their reputation.