Feds Warn Holiday Shoppers About Counterfeit Goods

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Bargains aren't the only thing you need to watch out for when holiday shopping.

As CBS2's Andrea Grymes reported, the federal government is sounding the alarm about counterfeit goods that look all too real.

U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement agents are warning consumers to watch out for counterfeit products, like knockoff Uggs.

From clothes to shoes and toys, ICE agents recently confiscated a boatload of knockoffs, Grymes reported.

While ripoff prices may prove tempting, the feds say savings could come at the cost of quality and safety, like cosmetics tainted with animal urine or jewelry laced with lead.

"The danger is in flea markets, swap meets," said Claude Arnold, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Agents say you won't find counterfeit goods at big box stores or department stores.

"Their buyers are dealing with manufactures, distributors who are providing the legitimate goods," Arnold said.

But you may encounter knockoffs online. Agents warn many counterfeit crooks set up websites that look legitimate.

One key to figuring out if you're dealing with a phony is to call the phone number provided on the website, Grymes reported.

"The counterfeiters, at times, they'll answer the phone 'Hello,' they'll answer it in a foreign language. And then if you say 'Hey,' start asking questions they wont be helpful at all," Arnold said.

The feds say watch out for missing sales tax charges as well as suspicious packaging -- all signs the product you have may be a fake.

Last year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection helped seize more than 24,000 counterfeit items nationwide. That was up 7 percent compared to the previous year.

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