Fake Brands: A Global Nuisance

Fake brands are everywhere.

It is in your cereal bowl. Care for some Fruit Os?

It is in your shampoo. Products which look the same as far as the branding but contain dangerous chemicals. These items can cause skin irritation or worse.

It is even in your tea. Major international food suppliers competing with counterfeiters in China. Bloomberg reported Belgian officials intercepting thousands of kilograms of imitation goods from Asia.

So how well do you know your brands?

How do you tell?

Eye the Price

We all know that if it is too good to be true it probably is. If you know popular product A is sold for USD $3 than the seemingly identical product on the shelf should not be priced a fraction of the cost. This is probably your first red flag.

Check Manufacturer's Website

As counterfeiters got more sophisticated, branding agencies must become more creative in the design of their global brands. Years ago, a company could keep a design for decades however with the Internet and state-of-the-art software, it is quite easy to create a knock-off. Look for all the new additions to the brand, new slogans, new colours as a consumer an eye for detail can save you from being ripped off or endangering your health.

Also, with globalization, although "Product A" is known to be an American brand or European brand, many companies are using businesses in other territories to sell their goods. The website will have a list of the countries currently producing the products as well as customer service information, emails and website information.

If you are suspicious of a brand, check out the manufacturer online and make a report to the company or local authorities.

Be Loyal

If your grandpa been using, your father too, chances are that that it is a good and reliable brand. Stick to what you know. Be vigilant and do not second guess yourself if your get an allergic reaction to a product or you realize that it is not working like it should. Throw it in the trash.