A recent study conducted by brand protection specialist Incopro has shed light on a concerning trend in the UK – one in five consumers are knowingly purchasing counterfeit products. Despite the awareness of the potential links to organized crime, terrorism, and child labor, a significant portion of the population seems willing to take the risk.
The fashion sector seems to be particularly vulnerable, with 28% of Britons admitting they would consider buying fake items such as watches, footwear, clothing, leather goods, and jewelry from online counterfeit sellers. This trend is worrying, especially considering the far-reaching consequences of supporting counterfeit goods.
While 44% of consumers recognize the dangers posed by fake pharmaceuticals, only 13% see the broader societal impact of counterfeit fashion items as a significant threat. Even more alarming is the fact that 36% of those who have knowingly purchased counterfeit goods have bought more than four items in the last year alone.
Despite these troubling statistics, there is a glimmer of hope. A substantial portion of UK consumers (37%) are calling for law enforcement and the police to crack down on the sale of counterfeit products online. Younger consumers, in particular, are vocal about the need for brands to take responsibility in preventing fakes from entering the market. This sentiment is echoed by 27% of 18-24-year-olds, with nearly half of them (48%) admitting to losing trust in a brand after buying a counterfeit product.
Piers Barclays, Chief Strategy Officer at Incopro, stresses the importance of collaboration between brands, online platforms, and authorities in combating counterfeit activity. As the holiday shopping season ramps up, consumers are advised to exercise caution when hunting for deals online to avoid falling victim to counterfeit scams. Ultimately, it is imperative for all stakeholders to work together to mitigate the harm caused by the proliferation of counterfeit goods.
For more information on how to spot counterfeit products and protect yourself from falling victim to scams, visit here. Additionally, to learn about the various ways in which counterfeit goods can harm society, check out this resource.
