Shopping safely this holiday season means more than remaining vigilant on Black Friday — officials warn of the risks of counterfeit items

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- As millions of Americans are prepping their Thanksgiving meals Thursday, retailers and shoppers are prepping for holiday shopping season -- including the fraudulent deals that come with it. This year, Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are promoting safe, authentic shopping for the entire holiday season.

“As a parent and someone who loves the joy of holiday gift-giving, I understand the importance of ensuring the gifts we buy for loved ones are genuine. Counterfeit goods aren't just imitations; they can compromise your health and safety,” said John P. Leonard, Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner for CBP's Office of Trade.

The 'Shop Smart' campaign aims to educate shoppers about fake products and their risks, and how to avoid fraudulent deals.

This past year, CBP seized over 21 million counterfeit items. Had those items been real, they would have had a collective value of over $2.5 billion.

CBP said that fraudulent items pose a risk to the health, safety, and security of consumers. For example, counterfeit electronics are known to have faulty systems that can catch fire.

Fraudulent items can also drain billions of dollars from the economy globally, which threatens small businesses, according to CBP.

"Awareness is paramount in the fight against fakes, to protect consumers and small businesses alike," said Tom Quaadman, Executive Vice President, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "This holiday season, business and law enforcement are partnering to help consumers shop smart and get what they pay for. We urge shoppers to follow our five tips for safe online shopping to give the gift of authenticity."

CBP has tips for shoppers that can help keep you safe this holiday season:

• Trust Your Instincts: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. So, if a deal or product seems off, it's best to keep away.
• Prioritize Secure Payments: When shopping online, only buy from sites that begin with https://. The ‘s’ stands for secure. Also, check for a lock symbol in your browser to confirm the site’s safety.
• Examine Every Detail: Pay close attention to labels, packaging, and contents. Watch out for out-of-date perishable items, broken or missing safety seals, false warranty claims, or unusual packaging.
• Protect Your Data: Keep all your devices, including computers and smartphones, updated with the latest cybersecurity protections to fend off any potential cyber threats.
• Say something: Spread awareness among your friends, family, and coworkers about counterfeit goods. If you encounter a fake good, report it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection or the National IPR Center.

For more information about what you can do to shop smart this holiday season, visit www.USChamber.com/shopsmart and CBP’s The Truth Behind Counterfeits webpage.

Consumers can report suspected counterfeits via CBP’s e-Allegations Online Reporting System or by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT.

More information about CBP’s intellectual property rights enforcement is available at www.cbp.gov/trade and on @CBPTradeGov.