NBA Warns Fans To Avoid Buying Counterfeit All-Star Game Jerseys and Apparel on Craigslist and Ebay
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010
The NBA is expecting the 2010 All-Star Game at Dallas Cowboys Stadiumto set a new attendance record. The league office is also expecting scammers to take advantage of this audience.
If you are planning on buying NBA All-Star game jerseys or other merchandise on sites like Craigslist and Ebay you should read the following Fact or Faction release from the NBA. Of course SaveFans! has you covered by our 100% guarantee if you are planning on buying NBA All-Star Game Tickets!
FICTION: There’s no way for me to tell a real product from a fake.
FACT: Although counterfeiters are becoming savvier, fans can shop with caution and use the following guidelines to avoid being victimized:
* Look for the hologram sticker or holographic hangtag and a sewn-in or screen printed neck label identifying a licensee that has been authorized by the NBA to produce “genuine” or “official” merchandise.
* Shop at NBA-authorized retail locations, such as the NBA Store inside NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by Adidas at the Dallas Convention Center, American Airlines Center, Cowboys Stadium, NBAStore.com and official hotels – rather than buying items from street vendors, flea markets, or other questionable sources
* Beware of ripped tags or irregular markings on apparel.
FICTION: Counterfeiting isn’t that big of a problem.
FACT: Counterfeiting is a significant issue, particularly during large sporting events like NBA All-Star 2010. Since 1993, the NBA – through its membership in the Coalition to Advance the Protection of Sports logos (CAPS) – has been involved in the seizure of more than nine million pieces of counterfeit merchandise featuring the logos of various professional sports leagues and teams, colleges and universities – valued at more than $329 million.
FICTION: Counterfeit souvenirs are just as good as the real thing.
FACT: Counterfeits are notorious for inferior quality. Seized goods from past events have included misspelled player names (such as Dallas Mavericks eight-time All-Star Dirk “Nowitski”), cracked screen-printing, poor embroidery, outdated logos, inaccurate team colors, and materials that do not meet applicable quality and safety standards.
FICTION: Counterfeits are reasonably priced souvenirs.
FACT: While some counterfeiters may lure fans with a low price tag or 2-for-1 deal, just as many try to legitimize their merchandise with a higher price point. Purchasing authorized league merchandise guarantees the quality and life of that souvenir, while also providing a reputable source for concerns, returns, and exchanges. Adds Ayala Deutsch, senior vice president & chief intellectual property counsel for the NBA: “When it comes to counterfeits, you get what you pay for. A counterfeit t-shirt is not a keepsake if it contains a typo or shrinks three sizes when you put it in the laundry.”
FICTION: Counterfeiting doesn’t impact the average consumer.
FACT: Businesses worldwide lose an estimated $600 – 700 billion annually due to counterfeiting. The North Texas market is not immune to the counterfeiting problem, as counterfeiters not only take sales away from authorized retailers in the area, but also fail to pay taxes to support the community. Every sale given to a counterfeiter is a potential sale lost by an honest local business. NBA All-Star 2010 is projected to spur millions of dollars in direct spending to North Texas, a number that is only negatively impacted by counterfeiters.
FICTION: People don’t sell counterfeits in North Texas.
FACT: Large sporting events (including NBA All-Star 2010) are a magnet for counterfeiters, many of whom travel around the country with the sole intention of scamming innocent sports fans. Security at all NBA All-Star events will be tight and the league will be working closely with local state and federal law enforcement authorities, who will be responsible for enforcing laws prohibiting the sale of counterfeit merchandise.
FICTION: Customers are helpless against counterfeiters.
FACT: An organization exists to help consumers spot counterfeits: the Coalition to Advance the Protection of Sports logos (CAPS), an alliance formed by The Collegiate Licensing Company, Major League Baseball Properties, Inc., NBA Properties, Inc., NFL Properties LLC, and NHL Enterprises, L.P. in 1992 to address common trademark protection and enforcement matters of its members. For more information, call 1-800-TEL-CAPS (835-2277) or visit www.capsinfo.com.
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