Fake products remain a problem for families during back-to-school shopping

As children head back to school—with their backpacks full of new supplies—fake goods pose a constant danger. That’s why “U-S Customs and Border Protection”—or “C-B-P”—continues to raise awareness about counterfeit products. John Leonard is with its “Office of Trade”… “Last year, ‘C-B-P’ seized 25-million fake items—worth about three-billion dollars. These fakes included back-to-school staples like electronics, footwear, study-supplies, and clothing. Counterfeit items can pose serious health- and safety-risks to our students. They also drain half-a-trillion dollars, annually, from the global economy—and cost the American economy alone two-and-a-half-million jobs. Our ‘C-B-P’-team is working closely with retailers, business-groups like the ‘U-S Chamber of Commerce’, and other private-sector leaders—to alert shoppers to the dangers associated with the purchase of counterfeit goods. Only shop from sources that you trust—especially when shopping online.” As part of this effort, “Customs and Border Protection” is partnering with the “U-S Chamber of Commerce” on its “Shop Smart”-campaign. To report potential violations, visit “c-b-p”-dot-gov-slash-“trade”-slash-“e”-dash-“allegations”. And, for tips and more information, visit “u-s-chamber”-dot-com-slash-“shop-smart”.