Knock Offs

Knock Offs, or imitations, may seem like a good way to save money on more expensive items, but do you really know where your money is going? Read on to learn more ...

Not so many years ago, desiring a certain expensive item could lead to the purchasing of generic knock offs. Trips to New York City found lots of street vendors selling lots of knock offs including purses, sneakers, leather gloves and many more. It always seemed innocent and like a way to get what you wanted for a much cheaper price. No one at that time suspected anything about where the items originated or where the profits were going. The fact is that most of those knock offs that people see no harm in purchasing are actually considered counterfeit. Some, or all, of the profits are aiding some major criminal activities. Some of those criminal activities are terrorism. Many counterfeit items have been seized from terrorists. Some of those items are purses and watches, things that the general public simply assumes are knock offs.

It is no longer harmless to purchase these knock offs. The funds could be directly helping terrorists make counterfeit driver's licenses or bringing another terrorist into our country. There is no end to the potential harm that may be occurring when so-called knock offs are hitting the streets and being purchased by unsuspecting consumers.

Not only are some major criminal activities being funded by the purchasing of knock offs, but most of the items on the streets are stolen merchandise. In fact, some of the vendors will proudly announce that the items are stolen. By purchasing stolen merchandise, you are helping the criminals to continue to steal for a profit. Many of the knock offs you can find on various streets are very cheaply made. Sometimes, within 24 hours the item is falling apart. I've witnessed some labels that mock designer labels, spelled incorrectly. What happens is that other countries are making and producing the knock offs to ship to various locations. Those cheaply made knock offs are sold on the streets without a receipt or warranty. Should your precious new expensive looking item suddenly fall apart, there isn't a return policy. That's your own problem.

Some people purposely seek these street vendors and stores that specialize in selling knock offs. Sure, it can be a cheap way to own clothing and items that resemble the more expensive brand names that many of us cannot afford. If you don't see something that you are hoping to find, speak up. Most likely, a vendor knows where to find it or claims they can get it for you. What you may not know is that they certainly can get it in for you, just not in the honest sense. You may be asking for something that someone will end up going out to steal that very night and turn around to sell to you for a profit.

Knock offs may seem like a brilliant idea to make yourself look more wealthy or fashionable, but be aware of all of the consequences that you may be creating by making that shady purchase.

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