Counterfeit goods
Overview
Counterfeiting is big business across the world but the recent economic downturn has highlighted its prevalence in the UK.
The word 'counterfeit' is the legal definition of fake, snidey, bogus, forgery, copy, phoney, sham, hookey, dodgy, iffy, knock-off, imitation.
Whatever the word, the meaning is the same: Counterfeit.
The average person may believe they are getting a 'good deal' or a 'bargain' by purchasing counterfeit goods, however they are generally of poor quality and don't come with any guarantees or after-sales service. They don't have the same quality control procedures as the genuine article and could well be unsafe and in some cases, potentially deadly.
Counterfeiting may also be linked to organized crime or criminal activity, which may pose serious threats to the health and safety of consumers. Counterfeiting also damages brand owners and retailers selling legitimate products by causing missed sales opportunities and actual job losses
Damages do not stop with brand owners and consumers because counterfeiting also deprives national economies of customs duties and tax revenues.