Trade counterfeit Mercedes products continues to grow worldwide, especially on the Internet. In 2022, the German manufacturer noted a significant increase in fakes on social networks and online sales sites.
Compared to last year, the number of deleted advertisements for counterfeit spare parts on the Internet has increased increased by more than 23%, to reach over 155,000 cases. In 2022, it is generally more than 1.6 million counterfeit products which were seized during more than 620 customs and police searches.
Counterfeiting: This is a scourge that Mercedes takes very seriously
The quality of counterfeit products is usually low and does not meet the minimum legal safety requirements. Therefore, they represent a significant risk to health and safety road users.
The special team of the Mercedes-Benz Intellectual Property Competence Center works closely together cooperation with customs and police authorities around the world to put an end to counterfeiters of German brand products.
In addition to the sale of conventional counterfeit goods such as brake discs, wheels or body and steering parts, online platforms will continue to be closely monitored by Mercedes brand defenders. In fact, it is often difficult to visually distinguish fake from original parts.
Measures to combat counterfeit products
Counterfeiters who sell counterfeit goods take advantage of the anonymity and decentralized nature of online retail sites. That’s why Mercedes implemented strategic and operational measures to combat counterfeiting on the Internet with a defense strategy based on three pillars: detection, attack and prevention. For example, Mercedes brand advocates regularly offer training and information materials to raise awareness of customs authorities or service providers.
A few simple criteria can consumer notification when shopping This starts with a thorough examination of online sales offers: classic signs of counterfeit products are very low prices, anomalies in product quality or sales from questionable sources on the Internet. In some cases, checking the images or markings of the products gives a clue to their authenticity, since Mercedes-Benz does not manufacture these products at all.
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Source: Auto Plus
Robert is an experienced journalist who has been covering the automobile industry for over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry and is known for his thorough and in-depth reporting.