Published
December 03, 2025
The holiday season is here—a time for gift-giving and celebrating with family. As you check off your loved ones’ wish lists, remember that counterfeit goods are lurking online and in stores, ready to turn festive cheer into real danger. Criminals exploit the busy shopping season to push fake products that threaten health, safety, and economic security.
Counterfeit goods aren’t just knock-offs—they’re real hazards. From electronics that overheat to toys coated in toxic paint, these fakes lack the rigorous testing that ensures product quality standards and consumer safety. Also, they can be linked to forced labor, transnational organized crime, and cyber threats like malware and identity theft.
According to recent estimates, counterfeit goods account for nearly $500 billion in global trade, draining U.S. jobs, stifling innovation, and putting consumers at risk. Buying IP-protected, authentic products supports law-abiding businesses, strengthens the economy, and ensures product certifications and safety standards are met.
The U.S. Chamber proudly partners with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to combat the spread of counterfeit goods and protect American consumers. CBP recently reported in Fiscal Year 2025, they seized nearly 79 million counterfeits with an estimated MSRP of $7.3 billion.
“CBP plays a critical role in protecting American consumers and businesses by preventing counterfeit goods from entering the United States,” said Susan S. Thomas, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Trade. “As criminals exploit the holiday season to push dangerous and deceptive products, we urge consumers to stay vigilant and shop from trusted sources."
Shop Smart With Our Five Tips
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that the gifts you give are not only genuine but also safe for your loved ones.
- Trust your instincts: If a deal seems too good to be true, or an online advertisement links to a suspicious-looking website, use caution.
- Prioritize secure payments: When shopping online, only buy from sites that begin with https:// — the 's' stands for secure. Also, check for a lock symbol in your browser to confirm the site's legitimacy.
- Examine every detail: When you receive products purchased online, pay close attention to labels, packaging, and contents. Watch out for broken or missing safety seals and unusual packaging, as these could all be signs of fake goods.
- Protect your data: Keep all your devices, including computers and smartphones, updated with the latest cybersecurity protections to fend off any potential cyber threats. Stay alert to suspicious websites that could conceal malware.
- Say something: Spread awareness among your friends, family, and coworkers about counterfeit goods sold on illicit websites. If you receive a fake good, report it to CBP or the National IPR Coordination Center. Your actions can make online shopping safer and smarter for all.
Together, we can make this holiday season joyful and safe for everyone. For more resources, visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ShopSmart landing page, and CBP’s Truth Behind Counterfeits website. Let’s unbox real happiness—not dangerous fakes.
DIG DEEPER: Read more of our Shop Smart work
About the author
Brad Watts
Brad Watts is the Senior Vice President at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC). He works with U.S. Chamber members to foster a political, legal, and economic environment where innovators and creators can invest in the next big thing for the benefit of Americans and the world.
