Do you buy genuine or counterfeit products?

Teri Ann Renee Paisley, Gleaner Online Writer

There is a vibrant industry in Jamaica that targets those who have limited funds but want to buy expensive products.

Often consumers flock these ‘cheaper’ options without considering the full impact of their actions.

It is very unfortunate that in order to offer their customers a reduced price, some persons are compromising standards by offering sub standard or counterfeit products.

Since the financial strain has affected everyone, consumers are so excited at finding the product at an affordable price that they do not realize that by not buying the genuine product they have put themselves at risk.

This is especially true if they purchase medication or cigarettes which have not been properly inspected.

When medication is bought from less than credible sources, the likelihood exists that the ingredients might not be what is advertised in the original product.

In recent months, the Jamaica Customs have been warning consumers to be cautious when purchasing medication from unauthorized persons as they may contain harmful additives.

Those selling counterfeit medication do not care if their customers will suffer ill effects from using their products.

They are only interested in making a profit.

I wholeheartedly agree with the comments of the Commissioner of Customs, Major (Retd) Richard Reese, who stated, “We want to make the public aware that using these products are harmful…you have situations where the use of these preparations can be fatal because of their composition.”

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These reports of counterfeit products surface from time to time despite the fervent efforts of the police and customs to stop their illegal distribution.

I recently also read a notice in The Sunday Gleaner about how fake cigarettes are being sold and I noted that the packaging of the counterfeit product was very similar to that of the original package.

However, there is a discrepancy in the product code printed on the box.

The company published in the article the 12 digit product code written in gold lettering that identifies the counterfeit product as well as the best before date of November 22, 2013.

Can you imagine the persons puffing away on those fake cigarettes not being aware of the exact composition of what they are smoking?

This situation is not new as there have been various reports in the media about persons selling counterfeit products.

Consumers must be vigilant when making choices as saving money in exchange for poor health is simply not worth it!

So do you buy counterfeit or genuine products?

Let me hear what you think! Leave a comment below!

Tags: alert, consumer, Fake