CBP Warns Holiday Shoppers to Watch for Counterfeit Goods

As the holiday shopping season ramps up, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is urging consumers to be vigilant about counterfeit merchandise that can threaten health, safety, and the nation’s economy.

CBP leaders said officers continue to intercept unsafe and fraudulent products entering the country, underscoring the risks behind deals that appear too good to be true.

“CBP is on the front line of stopping illicit goods from entering the United States,” Houston Director of Field Operations Judson Murdock said. “Buying cheap, inauthentic goods is not victimless. It can harm those you care about because of toxic materials and can even fund criminal activities.”

According to CBP, officers at the Houston/Galveston Seaport seized counterfeit items in fiscal year 2025 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail value topping $187 million. The seized shipments included luxury vehicles, auto parts, counterfeit cigarettes, exercise machines, wireless controllers, and fraudulent electronic chargers.

Illegal sales of counterfeit goods remain one of the world’s most lucrative transnational crimes. CBP warns that fake products—ranging from medications and cosmetics to children’s toys, fashion items, electronics, and automotive parts—can put consumers at serious risk. Many are sold through online marketplaces that imitate legitimate retailers.

Nationwide, CBP seized nearly 79 million counterfeit items in fiscal year 2025 with a potential value of more than $7.3 billion had the products been authentic, according to agency data.

“It is against the law to import counterfeit or pirated merchandise, and individual consumers may be liable for penalties or fines even if ordered by mistake,” said Susan Thomas, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner for CBP’s Office of Trade.

CBP encourages shoppers to take precautions when making online purchases, including:

• Trusting instincts: steep discounts often indicate fake merchandise.

• Researching products, photos, and seller information.

• Avoiding websites with typos, poor contact information, or no refund policy.

• Using secure payment platforms and keeping devices updated.

• Inspecting packaging for errors, missing seals, or damaged items.

• Reporting counterfeit goods to CBP’s Trade Violations Reporting platform or the National Intellectual Property Rights Center.

  
  

CBP says its enforcement work and public-awareness campaigns aim to protect U.S. consumers and legitimate businesses during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. The agency’s most recent data and guidance are available through the Department of Homeland Security and CBP’s public safety resources website.