It’s illegal.
It’s not okay to intentionally use another company’s trademarks, logos or designs without the brand owner’s permission. In most countries, counterfeiting is prohibited by law because it is theft of intellectual property, and penalties can include fines and even imprisonment.
It hurts other people.
While the scale of counterfeiting is difficult to comprehend, the International Chamber of Commerce estimates the total global economic value of counterfeit products is as much as $650 billion per year. Since 2008, over 2.5 million jobs have been lost due to the business of counterfeit goods. Counterfeiters may not pay taxes on the products they make, which hurts the economic strength of the immediate region. Manufacturers of counterfeit products are notorious for ignoring labor regulations and best practices. They may not provide fair wages or benefits to their employees, or adhere to child labor or anti-sweatshop laws.
It’s dangerous for you.
You risk identity theft when shopping on websites selling counterfeit products, because these sites may not be equipped with industry-standard technology for protecting your payment method and confidential information. Additionally, there are no assurances that the materials counterfeiters use to make fake goods are safe. Counterfeiters do not have to follow consumer protection regulations which limit the use of toxic substances or processes. Terrorist groups, organized crime rings, and gangs have been known to finance operations using profits made from the sale of counterfeit goods.
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