Most of us have, at one time or another, been tempted to buy knockoffs, formally known as counterfeit goods. These items are often considerably cheaper than the genuine brand and may even look identical to the real thing.
Let’s brush aside the typical intellectual rights infringement claims. I have practical reasons for not buying fakes. After reading this blog, you may want to think twice next time you encounter counterfeit goods.
Counterfeit goods, by definition, are intentionally made to pass as goods produced by well-established producers or brands sold at significantly higher prices. Alas, similarity in appearance doesn’t translate to functionality.
Most problems with knockoffs stem from these basic facts:
- You don’t know where they were made.
- You don’t know who made them.
- You don’t know what they’re made of.
Where the goods are made matters. Name brands and well-established producers comply with manufacturing standards and local labour laws. Fakes, however, are often made “underground,” without the scrutiny of public officials, and evade laws designed to protect workers. The work environment may be hazardous. The workers may be child labour and/or forced to work excessive hours without adequate, if any, compensation. Injuries or deaths may be covered up, leaving the victims and their families without recourse as the employer walks away with impunity.
Who makes goods is important. Fakes lure consumers with cheap prices. That means knockoff makers get them made as cheaply as possible. The workers who manufacture the fakes are seldom qualified. They may be illiterate adults or children who cannot properly operate machinery. Such employment practices can lead to a significant loss of product quality, reliability, and durability. You may have heard anecdotes on how fake goods fall apart quickly.
It may be funny if a fake designer bag falls apart during a gala. It’s definitely not funny if your power surge protector bursts into flames in the middle of the night.
Most alarming is that you don’t know what the knockoffs are made of. This is particularly a hazard when it comes to fake pharmaceuticals, be they fake Tylenol or Viagra. It’s one thing if the pills don’t work as they should; it’s another if unknown ingredients cause health hazards because they are poisonous or they interact negatively with other medications the patient takes. Extreme cases may lead to permanent liver failure, kidney damage, or death.
Fake perfumes are another serious health hazard. They can contain bacteria, urine, fecal matter, and antifreeze, just to name a few surprise ingredients. Unsafe ingredients may cause allergic reactions ranging from minor rashes to death. Knowing this, do you really want it sprayed on your body?
What about other fake consumer products, like jewellery, designer bags, and sunglasses? Surely they can’t hurt.
Wrong. The paint on fake jewellery and counterfeit designer bags may contain lead, which is particularly poisonous to children. Fake sunglasses may be tinted, but they often fail to protect your eyes from UV rays. With your pupil dilated under the shades, you may be unknowingly frying your eyes simply by wearing a pair of knockoffs.
Last but not least among fakes to be concerned about are knockoff electronics. Besides the well-known failings that they don’t function well and are short on durability, the wiring may be faulty and become a fire hazard. Spontaneous combustion is not unheard of. Counterfeit rechargeable batteries, which may contain hazardous materials such as cadmium, are another serious concern. If the hazardous elements are exposed, they may endanger the health of you and your loved ones.
Think twice before buying counterfeit goods. The price may be tempting, but the real cost to your well-being may be astronomical.
