In a collaborative effort to protect fans from counterfeit merchandise, authorities have seized over $39.5 million worth of fake sports merchandise ahead of Super Bowl LIX. The announcement was made in a joint press conference with the National Football League (NFL) and the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center).
The operation, dubbed “Operation Team Player,” is a year-long initiative led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in partnership with major sports leagues. This year’s operation resulted in the seizure of more than 214,507 counterfeit items, including jerseys, hats, and other memorabilia.
“With the rise of e-commerce, it has become incredibly easy for criminals to create fake websites, online marketplaces, and social media ads offering deceptive deals with the sole intention of scamming sports fans,” said IPR Center Director Ivan J. Arvelo. “That’s why our partnership with sports leagues, such as the NFL, is critical in our efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit merchandise and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.”
Since its inception in 2013, Operation Team Player has seized over $455 million in counterfeit sports merchandise, making it the largest anti-counterfeiting initiative within the federal government.
The NFL expressed gratitude for the ongoing efforts to protect fans from counterfeit crimes. “The NFL is extremely grateful for its long partnership with the IPR Center, HSI, CBP and New Orleans law enforcement, and all that they do to protect NFL fans,” said Dolores DiBella, NFL Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs.
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Authorities emphasized that purchasing counterfeit goods can have serious consequences, including identity theft and financial loss. The IPR Center has launched the “True Fans Keep It Real” campaign to educate consumers about the dangers of counterfeit merchandise and provide tips on how to identify and avoid fake products.
Tips for Avoiding Counterfeit Merchandise:
- Stick to trusted retail locations.
- Be cautious when shopping online, especially if deals seem too good to be true.
- Shop from authorized dealers with a reputation for quality merchandise.
- Look for signs of poor quality, such as sloppy stitching or missing security labels.
- Monitor your online bank statements regularly for any discrepancies.
- Purchase event tickets only from authorized sources.
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