You buy your much-anticipated sneaker without hesitation after seeing that it is back in stock on a well-known online retailer, but how certain are you that you didn’t purchase a phoney one with all that cash? The majority of the time, we neglect to double-check the product’s legitimacy and wind up with fake goods; this happens not just with websites but also on social networking platforms. Here are some insights from India’s top anti-piracy company- BLOCK X on how to avoid buying fake products online.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which is often cited by leading anti-counterfeiting organisations, has said fake goods make up for 3.3% of world trade or $509 billion. Other estimates say sales of these goods total between $1.7 trillion and $4.5 trillion per year.

The Indian Consumer Protection Act, 2019 places a strong emphasis on customers’ knowledge of the goods and services they buy and gives them specific obligations, such as:

Be Aware: Before making any transactions, customers should research the goods they are purchasing and proceed with caution.

Ask for a Cash Memo: Always ask for a cash memo for the purchase made

File Complaints: If a product is found to be unsatisfactory or false, consumers should file a complaint

These provisions ensure that consumers are well-informed and protected, enabling them to make better purchasing decisions and seek redressal when necessary. Now getting into how we identify a fake from an original…Here are a few best practices from our expert Anti-Counterfeiting and counterfeit products handling team at BLOCK X that can help consumers make safer purchases online.

Buy from Reputable Sources: Stick with well-known and trustworthy stores or brand websites.

Check seller reviews: Look at the seller’s ratings and reviews. Be wary if there are a lot of bad/negative reviews or if the reviews appear to be false.

Examine product descriptions/specification with the official website: Pay close attention to the specifics in the product description. Vague or poorly worded descriptions may be a warning sign.

Check for unique product identifiers/serial numbers to confirm the authenticity

1. Compare prices: If an offer appears too good to be true, it probably is. Compare prices with other merchants to verify they are affordable.

2. Look for Authenticity Guarantees: Some marketplaces provide authenticity assurances or include certified merchants. Look for these indications.

3. Inspect product photos: Check the product photos carefully. Fake items frequently feature minor changes in branding, packaging, and design.

4.Check Return Policy: Make sure the merchant has a clear and reasonable return policy. This can safeguard you from receiving counterfeit goods.

5. Use a Secure Payment Method: Avoid making direct bank transfers or using other unsecure payment methods. Use credit cards or reputable payment methods that provide buyer protection.

6. Be wary of new sellers: New vendors with no feedback or history may be dangerous. It is safer to purchase from established sellers.

Check the website’s url eg. nike.com – legitimate nikeindia.com (or) any other links impersonating nike – illegitimate and avoid clicking suspicious links

7. Report Suspicious Activity:

Tagging the brands on social media/any other way to get their attention.

Educate yourself: Learn about the frequent indicators of counterfeit products for the specific things you’re looking for.

If you are a company facing counterfeit product issues, contact our team at BLOCK X to give you the best counterfeit management solutions and rebuild the authenticity of your brand.

To know more about fake products and how to avoid buying them, get in touch with India’s No.1 anti-piracy company- BLOCK X and our expert team will assist you.