Over $76 Million Worth of Bogus Goods Seized

Federal authorities reported seizing over $4 million worth of counterfeit goods in Los Angeles as part of a six-week sting operation titled, "Operation Holiday Hoax." The worldwide operation was part of a collaborative effort between Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Consumer Products Safety Commission.

The goods that were taken were mainly apparel items with name brands such as North Face, True Religion and Nike. Globally the value of the goods seized during the operation was estimated at over $76 million.

Counterfeiting is common during the holiday season, but it is not confined to just goods alone. Law enforcement also sees an increase in counterfeit money during this time of year. Anyone suspected of counterfeiting in Los Angeles will face federal fraud charges.

Holidays Also Bring Rise in Use of Counterfeit Money

The flurry of activity during the holidays makes it attractive to counterfeiters. Store clerks overwhelmed by the deluge of shoppers are less likely to catch counterfeiters. Tourist destinations, like Los Angeles, which have a large number of people passing through the city daily make it an attractive location for would be counterfeiters.

The U.S. Secret Service advises shoppers to be on the lookout as well. Frazzled store clerks are just as likely to pass counterfeit money back to them. U.S. currency should be sharp with bold crisp lines that make the images stand out on the paper. Even the paper itself is distinctive. It is made with blue and red fibers woven into it.

Counterfeiting is not always done by a skilled operation with sophisticated printing presses in other countries. Sometimes counterfeit bills are created on a home printer.

Anyone suspected of manufacturing false currency, selling counterfeit goods or passing counterfeit money, could be charged with a federal fraud crime. These kinds of charges bring consequences. A person convicted of counterfeiting may be subject to substantial fines as well as prison time.

Source: www.sfgate.com, "Feds: More Than $4M Counterfeit Goods Seized in LA," 22 December 2011, Associated Press