TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Police Department is issuing a direct warning to parents following the discovery of a counterfeit car seat during a routine safety check earlier this month. Certified Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) encountered the illegitimate seat, which had been purchased through the online marketplace TEMU, at an event in early February.
Upon identifying the fake seat, technicians removed it from service and replaced it with a model that meets U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 213). The incident has highlighted a growing concern regarding unauthorized retailers selling equipment that bypasses federal safety regulations.
Counterfeit car seats pose a severe risk to children. These products are typically manufactured with substandard materials and often lack the structural integrity required to survive a crash.
Unlike legitimate models, they frequently display fraudulent safety certifications and have not undergone the rigorous crash testing required by federal law.
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To help families stay safe, the Tampa Police Department recommends several practical steps. Parents should only purchase car seats from trusted, authorized retailers.
Every legitimate seat must have a permanent label stating it complies with FMVSS 213. Furthermore, a real seat will always include a manufacturer label, a specific model number, and a registration card for recall notifications.
“If you believe you or someone you know has a counterfeit car seat, stop using the seat immediately and return it to the seller or manufacturer,” the department stated. Authorities also encourage consumers to report these dangerous products to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
For those who want to verify the authenticity of their equipment or ensure it is installed correctly, the Tampa Police Department offers appointments with certified technicians. Residents can visit tampa.gov/police/programs/ChildSafetySeat to schedule a check or look up recent safety recalls.
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