CBP wants travelers to know ugly truths of counterfeits

U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s new “The Truth Behind Counterfeits” campaign will focus on international air travelers who may be tempted to purchase counterfeit goods while abroad.

   U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has launched a campaign to raise public awareness of the dangers related to purchasing counterfeit goods.
   The campaign, “The Truth Behind Counterfeits,” specifically focuses on international air travelers who may be tempted to purchase counterfeit goods while abroad.
   “CBP is committed to protecting consumers and enforcing U.S. trade laws, and this campaign will help raise awareness and educate the traveling public about the dangers of purchasing counterfeit goods,” said Brenda Smith, executive assistant commissioner for CBP’s Office of Trade, in a statement. 
   “Not only do counterfeits damage the American economy, such goods can threaten the health and safety of consumers,” she added. 
   The campaign will run through July at six of the busiest U.S. international airports, including Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, New York John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport.
   In addition to harming the U.S. job market and economy, CBP warned that the purchase of counterfeit goods often supports criminals and their activities, such as money laundering, smuggling, and trafficking in illegal guns and drugs. Last year, CBP seized more than $1.3 billion in counterfeit goods.
   The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center applauded CBP’s anti-counterfeit trafficking campaign. 
   “Criminals trafficking in illicit trade threaten America’s prosperity and may jeopardize the health and safety of unwitting consumers,” said David Hirschmann, the center’s president and CEO. “We hope this initiative will make travelers more aware of the significant problem and real dangers of counterfeit goods.”