The real price of counterfeit goods
If something appears too good to be true, then it probably is.
SECURITY
With the ever-increasing rise of counterfeit products and with Black Friday just around the corner, here are some of our top tips on what to look out for when shopping for a deal online;
• Is the price too good to be true?
Some sites offer up to 90% off recommended retail price. On high value items, that should ring alarm bells.
• Does the domain name look legitimate?
Obvious misspellings and overly long URL’s can be a sign that something is amiss. Also, keep an eye on the link within social media adverts – is it consistent with the site name or has it directed you elsewhere? If you’re in doubt, it’s best to stick with a popular retailer with a good reputation
• Can you find a company address or phone number on the site?
If the ‘contact us’ page is just a form, with no other means of contact, then you might find that you’re simply typing into the ether.
• Are there T-&-C’s and Data Privacy statements?
A legitimate business will always have policies on shipping, returns and privacy available to view on their site. Make sure they read ok – many fraudulent sites take a standard template for its T-&-C’s which may contain spelling errors.
• Look for the padlock
If you see a little padlock next to the URL, it indicates that the site is secure. You’ll probably also see they have a https:// prefix instead of http://. The ‘S’ stands for secure and the padlock shows the site has an encrypted checkout process.
But don’t rely on just one of the above tips. A padlock alone is no indication of a safe site any more than a professional looking domain name. Use all the above to check your online shopping and use your best instincts. If it doesn’t feel right, then don’t part with your money – it’s safer for everyone.
If you are worried that you have purchased a counterfeit Canon product, don’t use it until you can confirm its authenticity. You can do this through either one of our authorised dealers or contact us at ipr.info@canon-europe.com
Remember your consumer rights and when you’re shopping for Canon products, our best advice is to stick to a Canon approved retailer or head straight to our online store.