The top 5 most counterfeited products on Amazon

Innovation by Thor Benson Updated: Feb. 20, 2024 Originally Published: Jan. 22, 2020 PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images

Amazon recently announced it is increasing efforts to eliminate counterfeits. Amazon will now report all counterfeits to authorities. It previously only reported counterfeiters when it thought it had enough information for prosecution. Reuters

Robert Scoble/Flickr Fred Rocafort, a former U.S. diplomat who has worked on IP issues in Asia for over a decade, tells Inverse that it will be very difficult for Amazon to root out counterfeiters.

Pixabay "It is hard, and there's only so much a company like Amazon can do on its own," Rocafort says. "In order for the Amazons of this world to tackle these issues, they really need a lot of cooperation from the brands that are being affected."

Pexels Rocafort says some counterfeits are so good that the brands being counterfeited can't even tell if they're fake or not. He says he's seen counterfeit clothing that was indiscernible from the real thing.

Counterfeiting is a "massive problem," Rocafort says, but the situation is getting a bit better in the United States as more people become aware of it and more brands fight back. "The overall trend is one of improvement," Rocafort says.

We decided to take a look at five of the most counterfeited products on Amazon

Cartier love bracelets

Cartier Over $618 million worth of counterfeit watches and jewelry were seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in 2018. Cartier love bracelets are especially common counterfeits.

Hermès Handbags

In 2018, CBP seized over $226 million worth of counterfeit handbags and wallets. Hermès handbags are some of the most counterfeited items you'll come across.

Paul Mitchell and Redkin shampoo

Paul Mitchell Over $130 million worth of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and personal care products were seized in 2018. These high-end name brands top the list.

Levi's jeans

Levi's/Wikimedia Over $115 million worth of counterfeit apparel and accessories were seized in 2018. Levi's are always a popular choice for counterfeiters.

Apple chargers

Nearly $90 million worth of consumer electronics were seized by CBP in 2018. Apple chargers are always a popular counterfeit product.