By Jaime Lakin Opelika-Auburn News Bureau Reporter
News 3 On Your Side
Law enforcement in Valley are investigating after nearly $46,000 in counterfeit shoes, movies and CDs were discovered at two local businesses.News 3 On Your Side
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Stumble It!Valley police Capt. Mike Reynolds said the goods were recovered after search warrants were executed at H and H Clothing and Accessories and the Just 4 U stores on Monday. The investigations are being conducted with the assistance of other area law enforcement as well as the Recording Industry of America, the Motion Picture Association of America and Nike, Inc. Those investigations are ongoing.
So, how you know if the brand name product you're buying is the real deal or a clever imitation?
At first glance it may be hard to tell, but to the trained investigator a fake doesn’t compare to the real thing.
“You know a good pair of Nike shoes goes upward of $110 to $140 dollars,” Reynolds said. “It you're getting that same pair of shoes for say $40 or $50, it may cause you to pause.”
Monday’s seizures included about 200 pairs of counterfeit Nikes, nearly 1,500 pirated CDs and about 200 pirated movies, Reynolds said.
“A pretty good seizure for the part of the country,” Reynolds added.
So, what do you look for if you suspect something is counterfeit?
In the case of the pirated entertainment found Monday, the packaging is somewhat of a tell-tale sign. Many of the covers look as if they had been photocopied. And while the phony footwear may need a closer inspection, Reynolds said a minute to think could save you from falling victim to fakes.
“Of course I'm not an expert in identifying Nikes,” he said, “but looking at the location of the dealership that you're dealing with. If it's a chain store more than likely it's a good product.”
That's not to say you can't find good deals, but be realistic.
“If you’re buying a pair of shoes out of a trunk or a storefront type of store it more than likely could be counterfeit,” he said.
Reynolds said you should also consider the price and inspect the product. He said many time counterfeit products don’t meet the same standards as the original products.
“If the stitching is all wrong, the seams don't line up and things like that,” he said.
As of Tuesday afternoon, no arrests had been made in connection with the counterfeit goods found Monday. Reynolds said they are working with the other agencies and moving forward.
For more tips on how to avoid counterfeit products and what to do if you suspect you’ve found a counterfeit item, visit the Better Business Bureau online.