Safety Tips - Counterfeit Products
Counterfeit products are not just about knock-off handbags and watches. Phoney items can include potentially unsafe items such as electric toys, household appliances, power tools, consumer electronics and other consumer items that may present a significant shock or fire hazard. A counterfeit item could mean unintentionally putting family and friends at risk for serious or fatal injury or illness. CSA International advises consumers to look for these signs to help identify potentially dangerous fake products:
- Look for and inspect the mark: Avoid electrical products if a label from a recognized certification organization such as CSA International is missing. Look closely at the mark to ensure it matches with the design and colour of certification marks from the same organization on other similar products.
- Be cautious of inferior packaging: Counterfeit packaging often has poor design or only partial illustrations. Misspellings and unclear printing on products and labels may be another indicator of a fake product. Check for a discrepancy between the contents of the product package and its description, as well as missing product information or package enclosures.
- Look for a recognized name: When a product doesn't include a brand identifier or trademark, it may be a counterfeit. Brand-name companies want you to know whose product you're buying. Also look for missing return addresses or company contact information.
- Beware of huge bargains: If the pricing seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Buy solid products: Check the "look and feel" of goods - fake products are often too light and too flimsy.
- Know your retailer: If in doubt, buy only from reputable, well-known stores with clearly stated return policies.
- Check with the experts: Confirm CSA International certification of a product by comparing the product's identification against the certification record at http://directories.csa-international.org.