Wise Men and Women will Keep Watch O'er The Web ... and Their Wallets!

NEW YORK, Nov. 23, 1999: "It's open season for counterfeiters," warns Michael G. Kessler, president & CEO of Michael G. Kessler & Associates, Ltd., internationally renowned corporate investigative firm. This holiday season will entice multitudes of new Internet consumers. "Now more than ever," says Kessler, "let the buyer beware."

Studies on Internet use have estimated that the actual number of web users buying online will escalate from 18 million in 1997 to 128 million in 2002.

"There's lots to love about shopping in a house -- with a mouse," says Kessler. "No worrying about weather conditions, store hours, waiting on line or even what you're wearing. The ease of the Internet has lured even the most computer illiterate individuals to learn the magic of a mouse click. Consumers are responding in droves.

According to a recent survey, gone are the days of a singular buying source for holiday shopping. Consumers now have a myriad of options including the Internet. The result could be the strongest spending increase in five years. Over 402 of this survey's respondents said they now use the Internet, and nearly two-thirds expect to use it for holiday purchases.

"That's good news for companies, and even better news for criminals," declares Kessler. "The Internet enables fakes to participate on the same playing ground as established companies. Computer-savvy criminals can reach an enormous audience simply by constructing an attractive web site. Counterfeiting reaches epidemic proportions during the holidays - not only on the streets, but along the information superhighway."

A classic holiday poem portrays simpler times when "not a creature was stirring; not even a mouse". Kessler says he must now, respectfully, disagree. "A computer mouse could be a rat's weapon of choice this season."

The aspect of "supply and demand" also chronically plagues holiday shopping. Desperate parents are prime targets for counterfeiters and Internet scams.

"Each year, there's a new toy that every kid wants. In a perfect world, there would be enough for everyone and all the merchandise would be genuine," states Kessler, "but that's not real life."

Many still shudder at the thought of holidays-past with Cabbage Patch Dolls, and Tickle Me Elmos; toys that had frantic parents seeking someone (anyone!) who could supply the goods at any price. This year, that hot commodity is Pokemon(TM).

"Wisely, the Nintendo Corporation features a web page devoted to identifying counterfeit Pokemon(TM) merchandise," comments Kessler, "but that won't stop criminals from trying."

The estimated value of counterfeit and unlicensed Pokemon(TM) items seized in raids by US customs officials and police in the past six months is $17 million.

"The variety of products being counterfeited grows continually," advises Kessler, "and it isn't restricted to gift items. Food and health/beauty industries have recently been especially hard hit. Even soap has been counterfeited."

Kessler's warning to consumers during this biggest of shopping seasons? Protect yourself from being a victim. Take fundamental steps to assure what you buy is genuine and whom you are buying it from is legitimate:

• Understand risks involved with online auction sites                         

(complaints about online auction fraud are rising)

• Only purchase name brand merchandise from reputable sources;

• Be leery if prices are significantly below market value;

• Visit http://www.kesslerassociates.com for Internet and other related fraud advisories.

Michael G. Kessler & Associates, Ltd. specializes in cybercrime investigations as well as Internet monitoring and anti-counterfeiting investigations.