Life Kit Episode Summary: How to Avoid Counterfeit and Unsafe Products Online

Release Date: August 4, 2025
Host: Marielle Segarra | Guest: Carrie Camel, Director of the Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection at Michigan State University

1. Introduction

In this enlightening episode of Life Kit, host Marielle Segarra delves into the pervasive issue of counterfeit and unsafe products available online and in physical stores. Drawing from her background as a financial reporter and through insightful conversations with expert Carrie Camel, the episode sheds light on the risks associated with counterfeit goods and provides actionable strategies to help consumers make safer purchasing decisions.

2. Understanding Counterfeit Products

Definition and Mechanics

Counterfeit products are unauthorized replicas of genuine items, created to exploit the reputation and trust established by established brands. Marielle Segarra opens the discussion with a personal anecdote about a small company producing fake hummingbird feeders on Amazon, highlighting how counterfeits can deceptively mimic authentic products:

"A customer had bought a hummingbird feeder from her brand on Amazon, or so they thought, because it was a fake..." [00:15]

Carrie Camel elaborates on the concept:

"A counterfeit product is something that stems from what's called a trademark counterfeit. The unauthorized use of the trademark is what makes it a counterfeit because it signals to the marketplace that that particular item is coming from the brand when it indeed is not." [01:06]

Dangers of Counterfeits

Counterfeit products are not just a financial waste; they pose significant safety hazards. Carrie Camel emphasizes the potential dangers:

"We look at the studies of what they found in counterfeit meds or other products, and it varies from, like, highly dangerous chemicals to, you know, just filth and dirty things that shouldn't be, you know, put in a body or come anywhere near humans." [01:43]

These dangers extend beyond personal health risks to include safety-critical items such as counterfeit car parts, which can malfunction and lead to accidents.

3. Commonly Counterfeited Consumer Products

Contrary to popular belief, counterfeiting isn't limited to luxury goods. Carrie Camel highlights the broad spectrum of industries affected:

"We see it really across multiple industries. I know a lot of people I talk to when they first think of counterfeiting, they think of luxury handbags or other types of products like that. But we see it across, you know, almost any industry you can think of, from the toy industry to the automotive industry to consumer products to things like baby formula and food." [04:51]

This widespread issue underscores the importance of vigilance across various types of purchases.

4. Best Practices for Online Shopping

To navigate the complexities of online marketplaces, the episode offers several key strategies:

Buy Directly from Trusted Brands

Marielle underscores the first takeaway:

"Whenever possible, if you're shopping online, buy directly from a brand that you trust on its website or through an e-commerce platform." [07:04]

Scrutinize Third-Party Sellers

When purchasing from platforms like Amazon or Walmart that host third-party sellers, it’s crucial to verify the seller’s legitimacy:

"Do some digging. Check to see who you're actually buying from." [07:41]

Verify Pharmacy Legitimacy

For pharmaceuticals, Carrie Camel advises purchasing only from licensed pharmacies:

"Only get prescription medication from a licensed pharmacy. FDA.gov links to the pharmacy licensing databases for states and US territories. If not listed, the FDA says don't use that pharmacy." [10:00]

5. Best Practices for In-Store Shopping

While online shopping presents unique challenges, counterfeit products can also be encountered in physical stores, especially discount outlets:

"Be careful at in-person stores too. Especially if you're getting a steep discount. You can get counterfeits and illegitimate products at brick and mortar stores." [17:22]

Marielle shares a personal experience with faulty electronics from a discount store, illustrating the potential risks even in physical retail settings.

6. Identifying and Reporting Counterfeits

Recognizing Counterfeits

Consumers are encouraged to inspect products for obvious signs of counterfeiting, such as misspelled labels or unusual packaging:

"If it's something that we call like an obvious counterfeit... maybe there’s misspellings on the packaging or, you know, ... check smell or logo discrepancies." [17:45]

However, Carrie cautions that advanced counterfeits can be nearly indistinguishable from genuine products:

"Unfortunately, as technology is getting better, the counterfeits are getting better too. So there's no way to be able to, you know, 100% say with certainty, like, I know this is the authentic product..." [17:45]

Reporting Suspected Counterfeits

If a counterfeit is suspected, actionable steps include:

• Stop Using the Product: Discontinue use immediately to prevent potential harm.

• Report to the Platform: Inform the e-commerce or retail platform where the purchase was made.

• Contact the Brand: Reach out to the original manufacturer for verification.

• Notify Authorities: Use resources like saferproducts.gov for reporting to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Carrie Camel adds:

"If you think you bought a counterfeit or unsafe product online, stop using it and report it to the e-commerce platform." [20:27]

7. Making the Online Space Safer

The episode discusses systemic measures to enhance online safety:

• Informed Consumers Act: This legislation empowers state attorneys general to take action against e-commerce platforms that fail to protect consumers from counterfeit products.

• Platform Accountability: Companies like Amazon actively monitor and remove counterfeit listings, collaborating with brands and law enforcement to mitigate the issue.

Despite these efforts, Carrie Camel points out the ongoing challenge:

"There's a lot more work to be done to make the online space safer for everyone." [Implicit from context]

8. Recap of Takeaways

Marielle Segarra summarizes the key points to remember:

1. Buy Directly from Trusted Brands: Whenever possible, shop directly from the brand's official website or verified e-commerce platforms. [07:04]

2. Verify Third-Party Sellers: When using third-party sellers on platforms like Amazon, conduct thorough research to ensure their legitimacy. [07:41]

3. Use Licensed Pharmacies for Medications: Always purchase prescription drugs from licensed pharmacies to avoid dangerous counterfeit medications. [10:00]

4. Be Cautious in Physical Stores: Steep discounts in brick-and-mortar stores can be red flags for counterfeit or unsafe products. [17:22]

5. Report Suspected Counterfeits: If you encounter a counterfeit or unsafe product, stop using it immediately and report it to the appropriate platform and authorities. [20:27]

9. Conclusion

This episode of Life Kit serves as a crucial guide for consumers navigating the complex landscape of online and offline shopping. By understanding the risks of counterfeit products and implementing the provided best practices, individuals can protect themselves from potential harm and ensure the authenticity of the products they purchase. Marielle Segarra and Carrie Camel emphasize the shared responsibility of consumers, platforms, and brands in fostering a safer marketplace.

For more tips and advice, explore other episodes of Life Kit on topics such as reducing plastic usage and performing CPR. Stay informed and empowered with NPR’s Life Kit.