How to Spot fake toys, medicines, cigarettes, alcohol

Counterfeiting has become such a grave issue that it is being reported by publications of all kinds, including the UK's Daily Mirror. They ran a useful piece on how to spot a fake in their consumer section last week, which is excerpted here:

"Toys

What might seem a bargain may end up costing you and your kids dearly.

The dangers: Fake toys are often poorly made and break easily, posing a choking hazard.

How To Spot A Fake: Look for the BSI Kite, CE and Lion quality marks which show the toy has passed rigorous safety tests. Also make sure toys come in quality sealed packaging.

Medicines

Sales of counterfeit medicines have rocketed thanks to the net, which allows illegal pharmacies to sell dangerously substandard medicines.

A study carried out by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Of Great Britain found around half of Viagra samples bought online were fake.

The dangers: Fake medicines may contain some of the correct ingredients but they're not licensed or regulated and could cause prolonged illness, unexpected side effects and, in the worst cases, death.

How To Spot A Fake: Fake medicines are hard to spot but check that batch numbers and expiry dates correspond. Look for faded packaging and question large discounts.

Cigarettes

You might think cut-price cigarettes are cheap because they're imported but in China alone 100billion fake fags are produced each year.

The dangers: Fake cigarettes often contain much higher levels of nicotine and tar than legitimate ones and produce more carbon monoxide. They can also be contaminated with substances such as plastics, wrapping materials and even sand.

How To Spot A Fake: Packaging usually resembles the real thing but look for spelling mistakes in the small print on the box.

Other clues are foreign or misspelt safety warnings - or none at all. The box construction and quality of paper and glue are often noticeably inferior.

Alcohol

You might think you're getting a bargain but when it comes to alcohol you don't know what you're drinking.

The dangers: Fake spirits can contain high levels of methanol, a chemical that can cause liver damage, blindness, coma and even death.

How To Spot A Fake: Examine the quality and cleanliness of cartons, bottles and labels. Look for spelling and artwork mistakes, especially brand logos and designs. Check the bottle's anti-tamper device is intact and be wary of brands you don't recognise."

Read the full story here

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Fake Tickle-Me Elmos Cause More Harm than Laughter

The Tickle Me Elmo toy has had parents turning into frenzied shoppers for many Christmas' now. But the furry red character, designed to giggle when tickled in the belly, is experiencing problems in this, its eleventh year on store shelves.

According to an ABC report, bootleg copies of the toy have been appearing in Baltimore mall kiosks.



"This could be an unsafe product. We have no guarantee of its safety," Angie Barnett, of the Better Business Bureau told ABC. "Who knows what that's made of?"

You can avoid this counterfeit toy by

• Noting the name: The counterfeit is called "The Laughing Doll," even though it looks identical to Tickle Me Elmo.
• Price: Ironically, it is the fake in this case which is more expensive. Know and notice your prices.

Click here to watch ABC's news report, "No Laughing Matter."

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How to Spot Counterfeit Webkinz

Webkinz are so cute we can't help but smile. Having been released three years ago, many toy collectors say they are only now getting their due. The selling niche for these adorable stuffed animals has gotten bigger and bigger, and many people turn to eBay to grab one as a last minute gift for their little loved one.

eBay user brilliant_baby has some great tips on how to avoid fake Webkinz both on and offline, as the popularity for these furry friends has meant counterfeiters target them.

"One way to guard against buying a counterfeit is to bid only on items that have the actual picture of the item you are bidding on. Ganz does not allow use of their photos on eBay so if your potential seller is disregarding copyright and trademark laws in this regard, what other policies or laws may they be disregarding?

Also, know that Ganz attaches a unique code to each Webkinz using two short plastic tags that go through the plastic-encased tag through their leg and out the other side. There is also a blue ribbon that goes around the leg and through the plastic holder. If your tag is not attached in this way, it has likely been tampered with. The code can only be used once and Ganz will not replace them. If you suspect your code has been used, the only way to find out is to register it. But if you are intending to collect Webkinz and not play with them on-line, that won’t help you- you’ll have to see about getting a refund or exchange from your seller.

Regarding the magic “W”, the original Webkinz did not have the embroidered “W” (found on the foot or rump) and so they are rarer and tend to sell for more. It is not an indication of authenticity."

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How to Avoid Buying Counterfeit Medications Online

The accessibility and speed of the internet has radically changed commerce. Even those who a decade ago distrusted online retailers now understand that many safe and effective e-marketplaces exist. That said, the internet is also one of the easiest places to be misled about a purchase. Counterfeiters take advantage of the fact that glossy websites are all that's needed to host a "believable" business. Nowhere is this more dangerous to your health then in the pharmaceutical industry, where fake e-pharmacies can offer medicine with no active ingredients or overdose levels of your meds. Here's how to steer clear:

1. Pill size/shape/color: If you have taken the medicine before, does it look the same as your previous medicine? Be aware, though, that looks can deceive. Even if it looks real, it may not be.
2. Taste: When counterfeiters fake medications, they put in entirely different (harmful) ingredients. Does your medicine taste the same? If it is a pill, is it more powdery, or does it dissolve too easily? A notorious counterfeiting trick is to use baking soda as the main element of their fakes. Other ingredients in fakes include chalk and antifreeze components.
3. Effectiveness: Have you noticed any changes in your health or well-being? Does the drug effect you in the same way?

A lengthier guide to buying counterfeit medications can be found here. Be especially aware of those drugs which the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy list as the most counterfeited:

• Lipitor (atorvastatin)
  
• Lamisil (terbinafine)
  
• Sustivaa (efavirenz)
  
• Diflucan (fluconazole)
  
• Procrit (epoetin alfa)
  
• Zocor (simvastatin)

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