Is the fun of buying fakes in street markets gone? The Women’s Travel Group says Yes. Customs might confiscate your Hermes-ish bag. Two days ago it was announced US Customs seized $2.98 billion of fake goods, entering this country, way up from$1.5 billion in 2019.
There were 31,030 handbags and wallets, 28,910 pieces of clothing, 14,098 watches and jewelry, thousands of shoes, electronics, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. There were dangerous toys, even sketchy candy.
US airports have specialists who identify fraudulent goods. These are good that infringe on US trademarks or copyrights. Are they specifically hunting down pirated items in your personal luggage? Probably not unless you are bringing in large amounts to sell. Will you be in trouble if they do find the fakes? Most likely yes.
Walking around New York City, one sees 100’s of fake bags and scarves, sold on the street. There is no apparent law enforcement. These vendors are a puzzle to us who live in New York. How do they get away with public selling of fake designer goods?
There are fakes sold on famous internet sites and fakes sold in candy store chains in Europe. But for women, it is the famous brands in street markets that are so tempting. A friend of mine had a fraudulent designer watch that way out lived his real fancy watches?
Here are a few real life experiences: Fake ceramics, especially sold as ‘collectables’ are hawked all over. Here is an article about Majolica.
Cosmetics and hair products might harm you? Around the corner from us are two vendors selling fake perfume next to a subway stop.
Our group bought ayurvedic cosmetics on one of our trips to India at a recommended store. The products were excellent. Be aware of street sold cosmetics not from stores. If the price is discounted by 2/3 or more, do not buy it. The good stuff is made in Europe or the US and is only sold by licensed stores.
Fake designer bags are also sold as SUPER FAKE. Super fakes are more expensive, better made and harder to tell apart from the real stuff. Again when you pull out cash to buy one of these: fakes might have color that runs onto your coat. Fur/leather might smell once home. Hardware can rust or break in to sharp bits. If you still want to buy: avoid any fake that has an actual logo or designer label inside. Read here:https://www.businessinsider.com/superfake-handbags-clothing-almost-real-knockoffs-2023-7
Having warned you about fakes, read here. We leave you with the fact that some entities that sell fake goods also sell fake drugs. The story gets worse from here. Before you travel, research what you can and cannot buy legally; avoid being fined by Customs, or flagged for future inspections. Travel Tips from award winning, The Women’s Travel Group
