A big batch of phony items were intercepted by officials in Chicago.
"U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team at Chicago O’Hare International Airport seized a shipment containing various counterfeit watches and steroids," said CBP Public Affairs Officer Steven Bansbach.
The shipment from China was headed for California, and the watches contained suspected trademarks including Burberry, Apple, Cartier and Rolex.
"Had these items actually been genuine, they would have a combined manufacturer’s suggested retail price of over $6.2 million."
Bansbach says these shipments increase around the holidays, with scammers keeping an eye on which trending high-end items they can re-create.
"They're worthless," he says, but adds, "If we don't seize them, they get out to the market and then you have someone who is peddling those and stealing your money."
He advises holiday shoppers to do their homework - Go with trusted sites, check locations and return policies and if the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
