Report fake or counterfeit goods (2024)

FAQs

What happens if you accidentally sell a fake item? ›

Under 18 U.S. Code § 2320, penalties can apply even if you didn't knowingly traffic in counterfeits. Prosecutors only need to prove you were “deliberately ignorant” of the goods' infringing nature. So even if you stick your head in the sand, you could still face fines or jail time.

You can report, by phone, stores or street vendors that are selling counterfeit items. Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) to report the problem.

To encourage participation, The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) provides compensation for claims that are successfully acted upon—up to 25% of the amount recovered from fines and penalties, with a maximum reward totaling $250,000 per case.

If you suspect someone is producing or selling counterfeit goods, you can submit a report online to the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center. Other federal agencies that investigate reports of counterfeit goods include: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

The U.S. Secret Service has a long and storied history of safeguarding America's financial and payment systems from criminal exploitation. The agency was created in 1865 to combat the rise of counterfeit currency following the Civil War.

We don't allow counterfeit items or unauthorized copies to be listed on eBay. Items sold using a brand name or a brand logo must be original and made by the brand or manufactured on their behalf. Software, music, movies and other media must be original and not unauthorized copies.

The sale of counterfeit goods (as described below) is illegal, as you're probably aware.

Legal Implications

It is illegal to purchase counterfeit goods. Bringing them into the United States may result in civil or criminal penalties and purchasing counterfeit goods often supports criminal activities, such as forced labor or human trafficking.

Report Counterfeit or Pirated GoodsReport Counterfeit or Pirated Goods. If you feel that you have been the victim of an intellectual property crime, you can report the crime by clicking on the button to the left, calling the IPR Center at 1-866-IPR-2060, or contacting a field office of the FBI.

Civil penalties may go up to $15 million for any related series of violations. The law includes federal crimes. If a vendor knows their product violates CPSC rules or the CPSA but sells or distributes it anyway, criminal penalties can include a fine and up to five years in prison.

What is an example of a fake sale? ›

Fake Sale Overview

Consumers who perceive an item was once listed for $100 but is now marked down to $50 is a more valuable product than an item that was once $60 marked down to $50.

If Facebook approves your Purchase Protection claim, you'll get a refund for the full purchase price of the product and any shipping costs.

People who produce, sell or possess counterfeit goods may be committing criminal offences. There are serious consequences for businesses found guilty in the courts of up to 10 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

Making or using fake money is a serious crime that can get you up to 20 years in jail. Both federal and state laws punish counterfeiting, and fines can be very high. You must know the money is fake to be guilty; if it's an accident, you might not be charged.

If you've been deceived into buying a fake product, contact the seller immediately and try to cancel the purchase. Tell the seller that you want to give back the product in exchange for a refund. An attorney can be helpful.

You can report counterfeit United States currency to the Secret Service. Contact your local Secret Service Field Office. Learn how to spot counterfeit money.

Report Counterfeit Currency

Visit the Secret Service website to complete a Counterfeit Note Report or contact your local U.S. Secret Service field office. (Note: You must send the Counterfeit Note Report to your local U.S. Secret Service field office.