Don’t get scammed: OSPIRG calls attention to fake items and reviews
(KOIN) — As life transitions to pre-pandemic norms, the rise of online shopping will likely remain – and along with it, the number of counterfeit products and fake reviews to trick shoppers.
To counteract these attacks on consumers, the Oregon State Public Interest Research Group (OSPIRG) drew attention to the increase in pirated items and false reviews and released a list of tips on how to best spot the scams.
OSPIRG said knock-off products have crept into every sector of the economy — but many items online scammers are currently counterfeiting pose serious threats to public health.
“While counterfeiters used to focus on fake luxury items, such as purses or shoes, now, counterfeit products such as pharmaceuticals or batteries have become too common online,” the research group stated. “Unlike a knockoff accessory, these counterfeit products can threaten consumers’ health and safety, with some counterfeit pharmaceuticals containing incorrect amounts of active ingredients and some counterfeit batteries overheating and causing fires.”
Here are the best ways to avoid counterfeit items online
- Watch out for in-demand items. A great deal isn’t always the safest deal. “If you’ve looked high and low for an item…
