We’ve all heard it before: “It’s just a fake but how bad can it be?”
But this dismissive phrase hides a much darker truth. Counterfeit goods aren’t just poor imitations of branded products, they tell a story of unsafe production, criminal networks, exploitation, and serious risks to people and communities around the world. Here’s why making a conscious choice to avoid fakes matters.
1. Counterfeits Aren’t Made in One “Typical” Place But They Share the Same Harsh Conditions
Contrary to the idea that all fake goods are made in some anonymous factory, evidence from enforcement actions shows these products come from diverse locations and supply chains but one thing they share is often unregulated, unhygienic, and unsafe working conditions.
While specific official reports on working conditions in counterfeiting factories aren’t always public, trading standards and local consumer protection bodies regularly describe counterfeit products being made in “sweatshop”-like environments, with poor hygiene, no quality controls, and in some cases child or forced labour.
These aren’t small cottage industries they are part of illegal supply chains that cut corners at every stage to reduce costs and maximise profit.
2. Counterfeits Fund Criminal Networks and Prevent Fair Trade
The UK government through the IPO and trading standards has repeatedly linked counterfeit goods with organised crime. Money from the sale of fake goods doesn’t just line the pockets of low-level sellers: it filters up and can help fund other illicit activities, including criminal groups involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other fraud.
When we say “it’s just a fake”, we ignore that this trade:
Undermines legitimate businesses and livelihoods; genuine brands invest heavily in design, safety, jobs, and innovation. Counterfeits poach customers without paying wages, taxes, or legal costs.
Disrupts local economies, particularly where small shops are unable to compete with artificially cheap illegal goods.
Funds serious crime and enforcement agencies are continuously working to disrupt this, as shown by seizure reports and coordinated action across police, trading standards, and customs.
3. What You Buy Can Literally Be Unsafe
Many consumers think the worst consequence of a fake is “poor quality” but the reality can be much worse.
Take recent findings reported by the IPO at the UK border:
Nearly 259,000 counterfeit toys were seized with an estimated retail value of over £3.5 million, 90% of them fake versions of popular Labubu dolls.
75% of these toys failed basic safety tests, including containing banned chemicals or parts that posed choking risks.
Consumers who bought these products reported breakage, toxic smells, and even illnesses linked to the fakes.
This isn’t an isolated example: counterfeit goods cover a wide range of product categories. Fake car parts, electricals, cosmetics, medical products, and essential safety gear are known to be substandard and can pose direct risks to people’s health and safety.
4. Counterfeits Are a Consumer Problem Too
According to the IPO’s own research:
Around 24% of survey participants had knowingly purchased counterfeit products.
The most common reasons? Lower price, saving money, and similar designs.
But many more end up with fakes unintentionally, only realising later — often after experiencing safety issues or product failures.And while buying a fake might save a few pounds upfront, the hidden cost is often much higher: replacing unsafe products, potential injury, and strengthening illegal markets.
5. Making a Conscious Choice Matters
Saying “it’s just a fake” overlooks:
The real human cost unsafe conditions, exploitation, and sometimes forced labour.The public safety cost dangerous products that fail basic standards.The economic cost funds flowing into criminal networks and undermining legitimate business.
It might seem like a small decision buying a cheaper handbag, toy, or gadget but when millions of consumers make the same choice, the impact is enormous.
What You Can Do To Minimise Fakes Consumption
- Buy from trusted, authorised sellers.
- Check for safety labels and official markings.
- Be cautious of prices that seem “too good to be true”.
- Report suspected counterfeit goods to authorities such as Citizens Advice or local trading standards.
Counterfeits aren’t a victimless trade. What looks like a small, cheap purchase can have serious implications for worker welfare, public safety, and criminal justice.
So next time someone says “it’s just a fake”, remember , it’s not just about a product. It’s about people, safety, and the kind of world we want to live in.
Want to see how this works for your brand? Let us run a free counterfeit audit for you. We’ll map where your products are being copied, show you how an automated workflow would work, and help you take the first step toward affordable brand protection against counterfeits.
