Knockoffs
Too cheap to be true usually is.
Counterfeit electronics, what “Made in USA” has to mean, and how used gear has to be labeled.
Counterfeit electronics
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Fake electronics can be dangerous
The National IPR Center warns that counterfeit electronics can overheat and explode.
Source: National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, Holiday Shopping Tips
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Electronics are a top seized fake
Consumer electronics were among the top counterfeit items CBP seized in fiscal year 2025.
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, news release (November 2025)
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How CBP says to spot fakes
CBP says to distrust deals that seem too good to be true, research the product and seller, avoid sites with typos or no refund policy or contact method, and inspect the package when it arrives.
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, news release (November 2025)
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Buy from the brand or authorized sellers
CBP advises buying directly from the trademark holder or an authorized retailer, and knowing an item's market value, since a price far below it can signal a counterfeit.
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, news release (May 2025)
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Buyers can be fined for fakes
It's against the law to import counterfeit goods, and CBP says individual shoppers may face penalties or fines even if they ordered a fake by mistake.
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, news release (November 2025)
Made in USA claims
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What "Made in USA" has to mean
An unqualified "Made in USA" claim means all or virtually all of the product is made here: final assembly, all significant processing, and nearly all parts made and sourced in the US.
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Made in USA Labeling Rule (2021)
The FTC finalized its Made in USA Labeling Rule in August 2021. Marketers can now face civil penalties for an unqualified Made in USA label on a product that doesn't meet the standard, including online.
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What "Assembled in USA" means
A product with foreign parts can say "Assembled in USA" when its main assembly happens in the US and that assembly is substantial.
Used and refurbished
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Used or refurbished has to be disclosed
The FTC has determined it's unfair or deceptive to advertise used or reconditioned merchandise without clearly saying so in the ad.
Source: FTC, Notice of Penalty Offenses Concerning the Sale of Used and/or Rebuilt Merchandise
Report a fake
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LookupU.S. Customs and Border Protection
CBP e-Allegations
CBP's portal for the public to report suspected trade violations, including counterfeit goods.
How to use it: If a product you received looks counterfeit, report the seller and what you bought through the portal.
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LookupFederal Trade Commission
ReportFraud.ftc.gov
The FTC's site for reporting fraud, scams, and bad business practices.
How to use it: If a company won't fix a warranty problem after you've tried to work it out, report it here or to your state attorney general.