If you’ve tried shopping on Amazon or through Instagram ads, you've probably encountered a mix of brands you haven’t heard of.
Between the reputable and the counterfeits is a sea of mysterious companies selling goods of unknown origin and quality. wapo.st/3uLJqrB
Between the reputable and the counterfeits is a sea of mysterious companies selling goods of unknown origin and quality. wapo.st/3uLJqrB
The burden falls on shoppers to tell the good from the bad.
Some of the brands are genuine gets. The rest are a mixed bag of hustles — either poorly cloned products or orders shipped directly from subpar overseas manufacturers. wapo.st/3uLJqrB
Some of the brands are genuine gets. The rest are a mixed bag of hustles — either poorly cloned products or orders shipped directly from subpar overseas manufacturers. wapo.st/3uLJqrB
Reviews on shopping sites are regularly gamed by sellers.
Shoppers have to look for subtle signs, like too many reviews that are overly positive or use repetitive language — or a stolen product photo. wapo.st/3uLJqrB
Shoppers have to look for subtle signs, like too many reviews that are overly positive or use repetitive language — or a stolen product photo. wapo.st/3uLJqrB
Tech companies like Amazon are vocal about their efforts to crack down on obvious counterfeit products.
But most efforts are directed at luxury goods or items protected by patents. The remaining products are largely left alone. wapo.st/3uLJqrB
But most efforts are directed at luxury goods or items protected by patents. The remaining products are largely left alone. wapo.st/3uLJqrB
Buying products online requires a whole new set of skills, like conducting a reverse image search or being able to tell the difference between real reviews and paid ones.
Here’s how to spot red flags that a brand isn’t what it says it is. washingtonpost.com/technology/202…
Here’s how to spot red flags that a brand isn’t what it says it is. washingtonpost.com/technology/202…
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