Deck the Halls with Bogus Presents; Head of Famed Investigative Firm Warns Against Counterfeit Merchandise

NEW YORK, Dec. 2, 1998: There is a significant increase of counterfeit merchandise flooding the marketplace that shopper need to be aware of during the holiday shopping frenzy according to research conducted by Michael G. Kessler & Associates, Ltd., an internationally renowned corporate investigative firm.

"Stores are offering name brand merchandise at incredible savings" declares Michael Kessler, President & CEO. Kessler indicated that even street vendors are hawking designer watches, fragrances, handbags, clothing, toys, software and collectibles."

"We are not free from the madness when turning on our home computer," he said, "since we are met with a bombardment of e-mail sale circulars and cyber store fronts."

Kessler & Associates decided to see if price was the only thing consumers had to be concerned about when shopping this time of year. Responding to offers online, at flea markets, and even some at well-respected shopping clubs they found that there is more to consider than the cheapest price.

What Kessler ended up with in many cases was a lot less than they paid for. "Counterfeit merchandise is found in epidemic proportions out there. Today’s shopper must be very cautious before attempting to purchase name brand merchandise, especially when the prices seem below the norm," warned Kessler.

They followed up their investigation with a nationwide survey to see how well informed shoppers are and if they were taking the necessary precautions to protect themselves from purchasing bogus merchandise. Their findings were surprising. Few shoppers knew what they needed to do to safeguard their hard-earned money and ensure that they were not being tricked by over zealous merchants.

Kessler’s warnings to consumers during the biggest shopping season of the year are simple. Protect yourself and loved ones from being victims of counterfeiters by taking some simple steps to assure that what you are buying is genuine.

• Only purchase name brand merchandise from reputable stores;

• Only purchase merchandise in original packaging;

• Check to see if labels appear blurred or torn;

• Carefully check to be sure product names are not misspelled or altered;

• Avoid purchasing any product containing unannounced changes in product content, color, smell or packaging;

• Be leery if prices are significantly below market value;

• If possible, carefully inspect the item. Workmanship often reveals a fake;

• Contact the manufacturer if you have questions regarding an item's authenticity.

It is at this time of year when the counterfeiters make a killing. They produce items that look, smell, feel, and sometimes even perform like the real thing, but assemble them at sweat shops and underground manufacturing facilities with inferior components. "What ends up happening is this fantastic bargain barely outlasts the holiday season," announced Kessler.

"Shoppers are often deceived by counterfeit merchandise and end up paying a substantial price merely because it carries a name brand label. If all they are paying for is the label, finding out the label is bogus adds insult to injury," Kessler said.

Everyone loves a bargain, but counterfeit merchandise does not represent a bargain. There is quite often one item left out by these counterfeiters when they manufacture the bogus product, and this is perhaps the most important of all, QUALITY.

If you suspect that a store or individual is distributing counterfeit merchandise, please contact Michael G. Kessler & Associates, Ltd. at (888) TIPOFFS.