Why Buying Counterfeits Isn’t Worth the Risk: A Conversation About Safety and Awareness
The other day, we came across a Government of Spain ad about counterfeiting. Naturally, it caught our attention—it’s what we do, after all. But what really stopped us wasn’t the ad itself, but the comments below it.
Instead of outrage or concern, many people shrugged it off. The sentiment was clear: “I know what I’m buying. It’s cheaper, so who cares?”
At first, this reaction was shocking. How could something so risky feel so trivial to so many people? But when you think about it, it’s not entirely surprising. Everyone has their struggles, and saving money often takes precedence over abstract concerns like counterfeiting. Worrying about how fakes affect luxury brands or the economy feels far removed from daily life.
But here’s where things get personal. Counterfeiting isn’t just a problem for brands or industries. It’s a problem for you—your safety, your family’s safety, and even your children’s safety.
The Hidden Dangers of Counterfeit Products
Let’s break it down with a scenario: imagine a child playing with what looks like a harmless toy. Now, imagine that toy is made with toxic chemicals. Or think about a family relying on counterfeit medicine for relief, only to risk their health instead. These aren’t “what ifs.” These are real, documented dangers.
A recent survey by Toy Industries of Europe (TIE) highlights just how prevalent these issues are. The study tested over 100 toys sold by major online retailers like Amazon, Temu, and AliExpress in the EU. The results? Alarming. 80% of unbranded toys failed to meet safety standards. Some examples include:
- Toxic slime.
- Breakable baby teethers.
- Small magnets and accessible batteries that pose choking hazards.
And it’s not just toys. Consider the Uppblåsbar beach ball sold through Shein—it was recalled for containing harmful chemicals linked to cancer and reproductive harm. Or Iceland’s “Naughty Christmas Elf Doll,” which had sharp edges that could seriously injure a child. It’s horrifying to think such dangers are so easily available.
What’s Being Done—and What You Can Do
The EU is stepping up with new regulations like the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), which came into effect in December 2024. It requires sellers to disclose important information, such as the manufacturer’s name, contact details, and a responsible party within the EU.
But regulations alone can’t fix everything. That’s why we believe education and staying alert are just as important. To help with this, we’ve created tools like our Smart Hologram. It’s designed to spot counterfeit products, flag quality issues if something’s wrong, and quickly identify other items in the same batch along with the supplier responsible. When problems come up, acting fast with a product recall is key to keeping things under control.
Let’s Stay Vigilant Together
Counterfeiting is about more than saving money or cutting corners. It’s about life—our health, our families, and our futures. So let’s take a stand. Let’s choose safety over shortcuts and quality over risk. Every purchase you make sends a message. Let’s make it the right one.
Stay safe. Stay informed. And always choose authenticity.
