Protecting customers from fraudulent activity and unauthorized merchandise is an important part of maintaining a safe and trustworthy shopping environment. Counterfeit products, misleading advertisements, and unauthorized sellers can create significant risks for consumers and can negatively affect legitimate businesses, creative communities, and the broader marketplace. Customers are encouraged to remain attentive when shopping online, verify sellers before completing a purchase, and report suspicious activity whenever they encounter products or offers that appear questionable.

Counterfeit merchandise generally refers to products that are produced or distributed without proper authorization and are presented as genuine goods. These items may be made to resemble authentic products through copied designs, logos, photographs, packaging, product descriptions, or other identifying features. While counterfeit merchandise may appear convincing in online images, the actual item may differ considerably in materials, workmanship, durability, packaging, and available customer support.

Unauthorized sellers may use a variety of methods to make questionable offers appear legitimate. Some may advertise products through unfamiliar websites, resale platforms, online marketplaces, auction services, or social media promotions. Others may use copied photographs and descriptions taken from legitimate sources to create listings that appear professional. Customers should therefore consider more than the appearance of a listing when determining whether a seller is trustworthy.

An unusually low price can be one reason to investigate an offer more carefully, particularly when the discount appears inconsistent with the normal market value of a product. Other warning signs may include limited seller information, unclear contact details, unusual website addresses, poor-quality product descriptions, missing return information, or a lack of reliable customer service. None of these factors alone necessarily confirms fraudulent activity, but several unusual characteristics together may warrant additional caution.

Customers should also pay close attention to websites that imitate legitimate online stores. Fraudulent websites can reproduce logos, product photography, page layouts, promotional language, and other visual elements in an attempt to create a misleading impression of authenticity. Some may use domain names that contain slight variations, additional words, unusual characters, or other modifications intended to resemble a legitimate web address.

Social media advertisements can also be used to promote unauthorized merchandise. A professional-looking advertisement does not necessarily establish that the seller is authorized or that the products being offered are authentic. Before clicking through to a promotional offer or submitting personal information, customers should verify the destination website, review available seller information, and consider whether the offer appears consistent with the product and service information normally provided by legitimate sources.

Purchasing from an unauthorized seller may create risks beyond receiving a product that does not meet expectations. Customers may provide names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, payment information, or other personal details to unknown parties. In some circumstances, information collected through fraudulent transactions may be used for additional unwanted communications, deceptive transactions, or other unauthorized purposes. Customers should therefore exercise care whenever a seller requests sensitive information.

Counterfeit merchandise can also create concerns involving product quality, safety, manufacturing practices, and consumer protections. Because unauthorized products may not be subject to the same standards, inspections, warranties, or support arrangements as legitimate merchandise, customers may have limited options if an item is defective, unsafe, or significantly different from the advertised product.

We are committed to protecting intellectual property and supporting efforts that reduce the distribution of unauthorized merchandise. This includes taking reasonable steps to protect creative materials, product designs, trademarks, and other intellectual property interests. Where appropriate, we may communicate with online platforms, service providers, industry organizations, or relevant authorities regarding suspected fraudulent activity or unauthorized use.

Customers can play an important role in identifying suspicious activity. If you encounter a website, advertisement, marketplace listing, social media post, or seller that appears to be offering unauthorized merchandise, consider reporting the listing directly to the platform where it appears. Online marketplaces and social networks often provide reporting mechanisms that allow users to flag potentially misleading or fraudulent content for review.

If you believe that a product or seller may be associated with fraudulent activity, you may also contact our support team at [email protected] or call 1-800-624-7864. Providing clear information can help us better understand the circumstances and determine what assistance or follow-up may be appropriate.

When reporting a suspicious listing or transaction, useful information may include the seller’s name, the website or marketplace where the offer appeared, relevant contact information, screenshots, product photographs, descriptions of the merchandise, packaging images, order confirmations, receipts, shipping information, and communications exchanged with the seller. Customers should avoid sending passwords, full payment card numbers, or other unnecessary sensitive credentials when submitting a report.

If you have already purchased an item that you believe may not be authentic, preserve relevant documentation whenever possible. Keeping copies of the original listing, confirmation emails, receipts, photographs, packaging, shipping records, and correspondence can help document the transaction. Customers should also consider contacting the payment provider or marketplace through its official support channels if a transaction appears fraudulent.

Careful shopping practices can reduce exposure to unauthorized sellers. Before completing an online purchase, customers may wish to review the seller’s identity, contact information, return terms, website address, product descriptions, and available customer service options. Comparing information across reliable sources can also help identify inconsistencies that may warrant further investigation.

Protecting consumers from fraudulent activity requires awareness and cooperation. Customers, online platforms, businesses, payment providers, and relevant authorities all have roles to play in maintaining a safer marketplace. Reporting suspicious activity can help platforms investigate questionable listings and may reduce the possibility that other customers will encounter the same fraudulent offer.

We appreciate customers who take the time to report potentially unauthorized products or suspicious sellers. Their attention can help strengthen awareness, protect consumers, and support the integrity of legitimate products and services. We will continue to encourage responsible purchasing practices and provide appropriate assistance when customers have concerns about possible counterfeit merchandise or fraudulent activity.

For questions concerning suspected counterfeit products, unauthorized sellers, suspicious advertisements, or possible fraud, please contact us at [email protected] or 1-800-624-7864. Written correspondence may be sent to 13192 E OHIO AVE, AURORA, CO 80012. We encourage customers to remain cautious, verify unfamiliar offers, protect personal information, and report questionable activity through appropriate channels.