GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) – Authorities have seized over $214,000 in counterfeit toys at Haywood Mall in Greenville, according to South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond.
On July 27, the Greenville Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) seized merchandise in a joint operation. Items seized included counterfeit NeeDoh toys and counterfeit cellphone covers using logos from brands such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
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NeeDohs are squeezable sensory toys that usually sell between $4.00 and $13.00, and are known to sell out quickly due to their popularity.
According to Secretary Hammond, counterfeit toys can pose several risks to buyers, such as the following:
- Materials used may be unknown and may not comply with restrictions or safety standards
- The items may not have been subjected to testing for hazards, durability, or safety requirements
- Counterfeit items pose an increased risk of failure and/or breaking
- Counterfeit items lack accurate traceability, making recalls and safety investigations more difficult
“The manufacturing and sale of counterfeit goods not only rips off intellectual property but also exploits consumers and puts them at risk,” said Secretary Hammond. “Counterfeiters don’t follow the same safety standards required of legitimate businesses, and use unknown and potentially toxic ingredients in their fake products. The fact that counterfeit toys are marketed to children makes this illicit activity even more dangerous.”…