BBB says watch out for counterfeit Inauguration Day online merchandise

With most people unable to go to the presidential inauguration this year, you might want to remember the event with some souvenirs.

Whether it’s the Super Bowl, a concert, a pair of sneakers, or Inauguration Day souvenirs, counterfeit goods are rampant, costing hundreds of billions of dollars each year, and often giving the consumer a lousy product.

Better Business Bureau put out a warning about buying fake inauguration goods often from websites that might look legitimate.

Bryan Oglesby with BBB says there are risks.

“When you are seeking out authentic memorabilia for the inauguration and you come across these fake websites, there’s a high risk you are going to get fake counterfeit merchandise,” Oglesby said. “But even more so, you could lose your personal information to these fake websites, or they could use your credit card information for other purposes as well.”

Besides getting a cheap imitation product, you could become a victim of identity theft.

Things to look out for

• The price is way too low
• Product is backordered, or never arrives
• Souvenir is of cheap quality
• Website address has typos or no lock, isn’t secure

Resources

• BBB Tip: Looking for inauguration gear? Watch out for fakes, scams
• BBB Scam Alert: Think twice before buying from these social media ads
• BBB Tip: Counterfeit product scams
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection – The truth behind counterfeits
• Report identity theft and get a recovery plan
• FBI – Scams and safety
• Invest in your Financial Health: Preventing Identity Theft
• FTC – consumer information – identity theft