Homeland Security warns about the dangers of holiday shopping

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Black Friday and Cyber Monday are right around the corner and Homeland Security Investigations is offering tips on how to spot counterfeit items and shop safely online.

“Online scams and counterfeit goods victimize thousands of people annually here in the United States. Additionally, it’s estimated to be over a 1 billion dollar a year problem," Mark Lippa, Deputy Agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in the Rio Grande Valley said.

Homeland Security Investigations works closely with retail developers to identify counterfeit items and prosecute those distributing them.

Lippa said the distribution of counterfeit items carries a punishment of up to 10 years in prison.

He offered some tips to people who will participate in Black Friday and Cyber Monday this holiday season.

If you are planning to shop online, make sure you are visiting a reputable website. You should also be cautious about visiting websites that are advertised in spam emails. Lippa said it is best to do online shopping using a protected wifi network.

"Using public wifi can be dangerous," Lippa said. "When you're providing your personal or financial information using public wifi it can more easily be stolen."

Other dangers include shopping at street vendors. Lippa said it's becoming more difficult to spot counterfeit knockoffs of high-end brands.

“When you’re considering a purchase, be sure to do your homework. If you’re buying a nice luxury purse, take a look at the stitching…make sure it matches the stitching of the vendor's official website. These organizations are becoming more complex in the way they design these items so we’re starting to see very close resemblances to the real items. Often times the certificate of authenticity are faked," Lippa said.

Lippa said HSI has seized counterfeit items such as cologne that tested positive for animal urine. Holiday decorations also pose a danger to homes when they are not authentic.

"Many of these counterfeit items that are sold during the holidays can be very dangerous. We’ve seen counterfeit Christmas lights that burn people’s houses down and lead to people dying. We’ve seen counterfeit cosmetics where there’s unsanitary products, high levels of bacteria…some of these gaming products have been counterfeited and the electronic components in them have led to fires or even exploded.”

The organizations that distribute counterfeit items also deal with the distribution of other illegal items such as fentanyl, according to Lippa.

If you believe you have purchased a counterfeit item you can call the HSI tipline at 1-866-347-2423.