CBP is warning holiday shoppers to be aware of fake goods and fake deals
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US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is warning Americans to check their inventory — and their gifts — twice this holiday season to avoid buying potter’s goods. The agency said buying products to hit the US economy could also hurt consumers.
“CBP is on the front lines of stopping illegal goods from entering the country. It’s important for consumers to understand that Assistant Commissioner Confentic has no effect,” said Acting Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino, of CBP’s Office of Field Operations, in a statement.
CBP noted that in the fiscal year 2025 (FY25) it seizes about 79 million 79 million products, which had a combined producer price of 7.3 billion, were true. Among the top items were clothes, toys and medicines and medicines.
Woman buys gifts online with credit card and laptop computer. (Tijana Simi Sic / Istock / Getty Images / Getty Images)
In addition to the illegality of selling phony goods, CBP has sounded the alarm because of the “health and safety” risks of fake products.
“It can cause harm to those you care about because of toxic substances and they can even commit criminal activities,” said Sabelatino.
CBP said manufacturers of counterfeit products often sell inauthenticity versions of popular products, often through online platforms. The agency noted that the purchase of these counterfeits “harms US businesses.”
The agency emphasized the importance of verifying the authenticity of the items purchased individually, since ignorance of the origin of the item does not automatically approve the purchase of any buyer. CBP Office of Talp Assistant Commissioner Susan S. Thomas reminded consumers to “use due diligence when shopping.”
“It is against the law to import counterfeit goods or merchandise, and certain buyers may be liable for fines or penalties if ordered in error,” Thomas said in a statement. “Don’t be fooled by scams and use due diligence when shopping.”
A woman can be seen holding credit cards and using a smartphone to shop online. (Stock / istock)
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To help consumers avoid buying by mistake, CBP recommends that consumers first trust their environment. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. The price can give clues as to the authenticity of the product.
For consumers, part of following their environment is also being able to find out where to shop, especially online. CBP urges consumers to only buy from reputable online sources and avoid suspicious websites, including those that may have typos or lack a refund policy or contact method. To ensure that the online shopping platform is legitimate, one should check that it starts with “
American culture and a protected border guard are symbolized in Washington, DC (Al Dragon/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Getty Images)
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Another way to protect yourself from buying counterfeit goods is to keep your devices updated with cyberserity protection.
CBP also urges people to spread the word and take action if they find counterfeit items.
“If you find a false positive, report it through CBP’s Browsing Platformers Report platform or the IPR Center. Your actions can make online shopping safer and smarter for all.”
