You can't control what other people do but you can control what you do. For one stop supporting the sale of counterfeit goods. You mentioned in the beginning of the thread that you were willing to buy a fake. Now that several posters mentioned that fakes are still illegal, you back track and say that you don't know they are fake you just hope they are real. Whatever. This attitude drives me crazy. If you can't afford to buy your daughter Ugg boots then don't buy her Ugg boots.
"The Dangers of Buying Counterfeit Goods
Do you carry a fake Gucci handbag? Or is there a faux Prada wallet in your back pocket? According to a new report we found in USA Today, buying counterfeit bags, shoes and clothing is dangerous! How? First, you should remember what counterfeiting is: Its the act of selling fake goods that are made to look exactly like a more expensive name brand item. Authorities say counterfeiting is a multi-billion dollar industry, and stores and people that sell fake goods are more likely to have ties to organized crime.
Seriously, how can anyone get hurt if you buy a fake pair of designer jeans? For starters: 80% of the counterfeit goods seized in North America come from China a country with a reputation for using forced child labor. Also, experts say counterfeiting has become one of the most attractive ways for terrorists to make money. Thats because if youre caught selling a pair of fake shoes, the penalties arent as stiff as if youd been caught selling drugs, or smuggling weapons. Whats more, it doesnt take a lot of people counterfeiting to do serious damage. For example: Last month, the FBI arrested 13 members of a crime ring in New York that had been selling counterfeit cell phones and sneakers. Agents allege the people involved had conspired to raise money to buy a missile system designed to shoot down aircraft! So, how can you tell if an item youre buying is real or counterfeit?
The most obvious red flag is the price. Any designer item being sold at a ridiculously low price is more likely to be counterfeit.
If youre buying sneakers, check the soles. A common sign of a counterfeit is that theyll have rock-hard soles, because theyre made of cheaper materials.
For belts, bags and other accessories: Look for handles and zippers that easily break or paints and dyes that rub off easily against your hand.
Bottom line: If you buy a counterfeit product, youre potentially supporting organized criminals and terrorists." from johntesh.com
