Live your truth, show what you are for real, be authentic.There are different ways to express your personality and energy. Fakes mean pretending, going for the easy way. Fakes are not cheaper substitutes – they mean cheating and stealing from others. You can do better than that.
You can afford to be imaginative, original, truthfuland build your style your own way.
SEE HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR STYLE AND ORIGINALITY
Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka
President of Kobiety w Centrum
It is women who most often make purchasing decisions. In an age of rampant inflation, there are even more temptations to move away from original products, which is why campaigns like this are so important. After all, when you buy a counterfeit, you are making someone lose their job, and you will be spending money again anyway because counterfeit goods are of inferior quality.
When buying goods on an e-commerce platform or through social media, the buyer has the right to expect that the goods are legal and safe to use. When buying goods of unknown origin, such as medicines, car parts, alcohol, etc., you are risking your own health and even your life. Cooperation between consumers, producers, traders and authorities is needed to eliminate the risks.
Leszek Wieciech
Head of Anti-Corruption Programme,
UN Global Compact Network Poland
On behalf of the manufacturers of cosmetics manufactured and sold in Poland, I encourage everyone to choose and buy skincare products, make-up or fragrances more carefully - especially now, before Christmas. Cosmetics are a great idea for a Christmas gift, provided they come from a legitimate source, the manufacturer pays all taxes and takes full responsibility for the safety of the products. Counterfeit cosmetics (although sometimes at a tempting price) unfortunately do not meet these criteria. Everyone – and your loved ones in particular – deserves to receive an original, fully-fledged, legally manufactured gift
General Director of the Polish Union of the Cosmetics Industry
Blanka Chmurzyńska-Brown
dr inż. Ewa Starzyk
Director of Scientific and Legislative Affairs, Polish Union of the Cosmetics Industry
From the point of view of a chemist or toxicologist, the use of counterfeit cosmetics can endanger health and life. We should remember that only original products meet the strict legal requirements for safety, and they are 100% free of ingredients that may pose a health risk. Original products are manufactured from raw materials whose origin is clearly defined. From fakes, unfortunately, you can expect anything.
The aim of the "Live an authentic life” campaign is to draw consumers' attention to the practice of buying counterfeit products, but above all to discourage them from engaging in it. Unfortunately, as numerous analyses and studies have shown, the market for the production and sale of counterfeits is doing well, which is something we want to counteract together with our campaign partners. We are reaching out to selected groups of consumers with a persuasive and positive message, aiming to communicate with emotion and inspiration. A pattern of do’s and don’ts is not always effective in communication and behavioural change. We emphasise that buying counterfeit items means a lack of originality in self-expression and going for the easy way.
President of Forum Konsumentów
Agnieszka Plencler
As a representative of the Polish Toy Association, I would like to express our support for the “Live an authentic life” campaign. For us, the most important thing is that a toy is safe. An informed parent prioritises the safety of their child, and safety in the case of toys and articles for children is their QUALITY. That is why we have been training and informing for years about the importance of testing and ensuring compliance. Original toys include both licensed and unlicensed products. They are manufactured not only in Poland and Europe but also in China. They are designed, made and tested to ensure their highest quality. However, even the best imitation will never replace the original.
President of the Management Board of the Polish Toy Association
Monika Chmielińska
Although counterfeits on the Polish market are dominated by clothing, jewellery and accessories, watches, cosmetics, sports equipment and toys, the number of counterfeit food and beverages has also increased recently. As indicated in a report prepared by Amazon, in 2021, customs officers seized more than 777,000 counterfeit foodstuffs, compared to only 16,500 a year earlier.
Vice-President of the Polish Chamber of Commerce
Maciej Ptaszyński
Country Manager
Amazon Poland
Mourad Taoufiki
We are committed to making every Amazon customer feel safe with us. No one likes to be ripped off, so we provide retail partners with the tools to protect their brands, and we educate and encourage customers to buy wisely and choose only genuine products. For us, it is clear that it is a matter of responsibility.
then remember that even the closest thing to the original will always be different. You may come off poorly when someone around you notices.
If you are buying counterfeits...
Did you know that...
e.g. the marketing of dangerous products, tax offences and organised crime.
You have no guarantee that cosmetics, medicines or food have been produced safely with high-quality ingredients.
Before you buy a fake, consider whether it will meet your needs. It is of inferior quality, and if you are keen to impress others – remember that a fake is easy to spot.
Counterfeiting generates a whole range of other crimes
By buying counterfeit products you are putting your loved ones at risk
Genuine products are always different from counterfeit ones
Buying counterfeits is illegal
But it can also be dangerous for your bank account. When you make a payment, your computer or smartphone can be infected with viruses and your data can be stolen.
Buying counterfeits equals:
subscribing to a philosophy of phoniness, going for the easy way, dishonesty and pretence
robbing brands of their intellectual property and copyrights
promoting unfair competition
Pay attention to the quality of the stitching especially on the inside of the garment/bag, at the pockets, neckline etc. Sloppy, uneven stitching is usually not a feature of original products. The colour of the seams can also make a difference. In original products, they are usually selected to match the colour of the product.
SEAMS
MATERIAL
In the first instance, it should match the texture of the original product (you can compare it with the product on the manufacturer's website). It should be free of blemishes, stains or dirt. Branded products are usually made of high-quality materials that are pleasant to the touch.
LABELS
The label should be neat and legible. Pay attention to the name of the brand on the label – on counterfeits the name is often misspelt, not centred – without maintaining the protective field of the graphic symbol. Also, pay attention to the information on material composition and care instructions which the label should contain.
LOGO OF THE BRAND
This element is the easiest to verify with the original product. The logo is the business card of the brand. It should always be placed on the product in the same place, carefully crafted, maintaining proportions. If the logo contains errors or extra characters, is stretched or is not neatly made, you are most likely dealing with a fake.
PRICE
If you buy a product that is significantly cheaper than the original or discounted, it is also a sign that you may be dealing with a counterfeit. Pay attention to the size of the discounts and the place where someone is selling the product.
HOLOGRAM
Luxury products have a special quality hologram, which is proof that the quality of the garment has been checked several times during the production process. The quality hologram assures that the product was made by the designated manufacturer who has the right to use the trademark. The sticker is usually sewn into the garment and cannot be easily peeled off. On the original hologram, there is information with model name, number and serial code of the product.
SIZE
Size can be an indication that the goods are counterfeit. Sizes such as XXXXL or XXS are extremely rare in the product range of reputable manufacturers. On the manufacturer's website, you can usually check what sizes they offer.
#LIVEORIGINALLY
Remember that even original clothes from luxury and premium brands can be bought cheaper second-hand. The vintage market also offers endless opportunities to find gems for your wardrobe.
#LIVEORIGINALLY
Younger consumers can usually easily distinguish between an original toy and a fake one. So if you buy a cheaper and inferior fake, there is a risk that it will not meet the child's expectations.
Why not buy less but original?
Designation
No indication of the minimum age of children for which the toy is intended.
Quality
Poor product quality (lack of aesthetics in workmanship, poor quality of materials and visible shortcomings, e.g. poor quality of stitching on sewn toys).
Remember that purchasing items from the Chinese market can be risky, especially when it involves products for the youngest. They are not subject to European standards.
PLACE OF PURCHASE
Counterfeit toys may contain unauthorised highly allergenic or health-threatening chemicals, e.g. excessive concentrations of phthalates (harmful substances used to increase the elasticity of plastic).
strange and distinct scent of the toy
NO CE (CONFORMITÉ EUROPÉENNE) MARK
The CE mark should appear on the toy or, in the case of small toys, on the packaging or label. It should always be easily visible and indelibly affixed. This is an important label as it confirms compliance with the applicable requirements and indicates that the toy is safe to use.
The display of a fake phone is usually made of ordinary plastic or easily scratchable glass
Quality
LOGO OF THE BRAND
poor workmanship
PACKAGING
Loose, low-quality packaging, no hologram.
software
Operating system incompatibility, e.g. a counterfeit 'iPhone' that uses the Android operating system.
CHARGER
The charger should be suitable for use in the destination country, if there is a need for an 'adapter' or a different charger, this often indicates that the goods are counterfeit,
Material
In the case of genuine products, plastic charger housings are smooth, without 'seams' or other imperfections; counterfeits are often made of cheap, glossy plastic with an irregular surface,
#LIVEORIGINALLY
Sometimes it is better to buy equipment with specifications different than one that pretends to be better. Without a guarantee and reliable workmanship, it may not last long anyway.
CABLES
Electrical cables should be flexible and the markings on them permanent, not abrasive.
No manuals in Polish language
MARKING
No designation of agents and distributors and no indication of the manufacturer.
SURPRISINGLY LOW PRICE
SUSPICIOUS SHOP
Online shop with no warranty, information about making complaints or contact details provided.
Poor quality logo. Mostly flimsily glued or fixed. The design often differs from the original design.
The materials used are of poor quality, there are gaps, the components are poorly fitted and they creak and bend to the touch.
No localised language user manual. For non-original products, most often the main language of the manual is one from an Asian country. There are also missing or poor English translations.
A price offering an exceptional opportunity, very different from the market value of the product.
#LIVEORIGINALLY
You can't afford fake health or damage to your beauty. Before buying a cosmetic, it's worth making sure that it will serve you well and is genuine.
POINT OF SALE
Legitimate brands (not only prestigious ones) do not usually sell their products in bazaars or street stalls.
AN UNPRECEDENTED TYPE OF PRODUCT
Some criminals offer products purporting to be of a particular brand, while they are not actually on that brand’s offer at all.
Especially much lower than the original product; although an original product can also be very cheap – when it comes from an illegal source or has been stolen.
PRICE
Questionable quality, a different colour, shape or size of the font, missing or incomplete information, e.g. on the serial number of the product, the seller, the company, the return and complaint procedure, should arouse suspicion.
PACKAGING
More information on fake cosmetics and how they work can be found at Kosmopedia.org
In case of any doubt (especially if the product has already been purchased), first contact the company – the owner of the brand in question, whose representatives will help confirm the originality of the product.
ⓘ
Pay attention to the quality of the stitching especially on the inside of the garment/bag, at the pockets, neckline etc. Sloppy, uneven stitching is usually not a feature of original products. The colour of the seams can also make a difference. In original products, they are usually selected to match the colour of the product.
SEAMS
MATERIAL
In the first instance, it should match the texture of the original product (you can compare it with the product on the manufacturer's website). It should be free of blemishes, stains or dirt. Branded products are usually made of high-quality materials that are pleasant to the touch.
LABELS
The label should be neat and legible. Pay attention to the name of the brand on the label – on counterfeits the name is often misspelt, not centred – without maintaining the protective field of the graphic symbol. Also, pay attention to the information on material composition and care instructions which the label should contain.
LOGO OF THE BRAND
This element is the easiest to verify with the original product. The logo is the business card of the brand. It should always be placed on the product in the same place, carefully crafted, maintaining proportions. If the logo contains errors or extra characters, is stretched or is not neatly made, you are most likely dealing with a fake.
PRICE
If you buy a product that is significantly cheaper than the original or discounted, it is also a sign that you may be dealing with a counterfeit. Pay attention to the size of the discounts and the place where someone is selling the product.
HOLOGRAM
Luxury products have a special quality hologram, which is proof that the quality of the garment has been checked several times during the production process. The quality hologram assures that the product was made by the designated manufacturer who has the right to use the trademark. The sticker is usually sewn into the garment and cannot be easily peeled off. On the original hologram, there is information with model name, number and serial code of the product.
SIZE
Size can be an indication that the goods are counterfeit. Sizes such as XXXXL or XXS are extremely rare in the product range of reputable manufacturers. On the manufacturer's website, you can usually check what sizes they offer.
#LIVEORIGINALLY
Remember that even original clothes from luxury and premium brands can be bought cheaper second-hand. The vintage market also offers endless opportunities to find gems for your wardrobe.
#LIVEORIGINALLY
Younger consumers can usually easily distinguish between an original toy and a fake one. So if you buy a cheaper and inferior fake, there is a risk that it will not meet the child's expectations.Why not buy less but original?
DESIGNATION
No indication of the minimum age of children for which the toy is intended.
QUALITY
Poor product quality (lack of aesthetics in workmanship, poor quality of materials and visible shortcomings, e.g. poor quality of stitching on sewn toys).
Remember that purchasing items from the Chinese market can be risky, especially when it involves products for the youngest. They are not subject to European standards.
PLACE OF PURCHASE
Counterfeit toys may contain unauthorised highly allergenic or health-threatening chemicals, e.g. excessive concentrations of phthalates (harmful substances used to increase the elasticity of plastic).
STRANGE AND DISTINCT SCENT OF THE TOY
NO CE (CONFORMITÉ EUROPÉENNE) MARK
The CE mark should appear on the toy or, in the case of small toys, on the packaging or label. It should always be easily visible and indelibly affixed. This is an important label as it confirms compliance with the applicable requirements and indicates that the toy is safe to use.
The display of a fake phone is usually made of ordinary plastic or easily scratchable glass
QUALITY
LOGO OF THE BRAND
POOR WORKMANSHIP
PACKAGING
Loose, low-quality packaging, no hologram.
SOFTWARE
Operating system incompatibility, e.g. a counterfeit 'iPhone' that uses the Android operating system.
Charger
The charger should be suitable for use in the destination country, if there is a need for an 'adapter' or a different charger, this often indicates that the goods are counterfeit,
Material
In the case of genuine products, plastic charger housings are smooth, without 'seams' or other imperfections; counterfeits are often made of cheap, glossy plastic with an irregular surface,
#LIVEORIGINALLY
Sometimes it is better to buy equipment with specifications different than one that pretends to be better. Without a guarantee and reliable workmanship, it may not last long anyway.
CABLES
Electrical cables should be flexible and the markings on them permanent, not abrasive.
NO MANUALS IN POLISH LANGUAGE
MARKING
No designation of agents and distributors and no indication of the manufacturer.
SURPRISINGLY LOW PRICE
SUSPICIOUS SHOP
Online shop with no warranty, information about making complaints or contact details provided.
Poor quality logo. Mostly flimsily glued or fixed. The design often differs from the original design.
The materials used are of poor quality, there are gaps, the components are poorly fitted and they creak and bend to the touch.
No localised language user manual. For non-original products, most often the main language of the manual is one from an Asian country. There are also missing or poor English translations.
A price offering an exceptional opportunity, very different from the market value of the product.
#LIVEORIGINALLY
You can't afford fake health or damage to your beauty. Before buying a cosmetic, it's worth making sure that it will serve you well and is genuine.
POINT OF SALE
Legitimate brands (not only prestigious ones) do not usually sell their products in bazaars or street stalls.
AN UNPRECEDENTED TYPE OF PRODUCT
Some criminals offer products purporting to be of a particular brand, while they are not actually on that brand’s offer at all.
Especially much lower than the original product; although an original product can also be very cheap – when it comes from an illegal source or has been stolen.
PRICE
Questionable quality, a different colour, shape or size of the font, missing or incomplete information, e.g. on the serial number of the product, the seller, the company, the return and complaint procedure, should arouse suspicion.
PACKAGING
More information on fake cosmetics and how they work can be found at Kosmopedia.org
In case of any doubt (especially if the product has already been purchased), first contact the company – the owner of the brand in question, whose representatives will help confirm the originality of the product.
ⓘ
you see incomplete information about the seller,
no company address,
there are no contact details or there is an unusual address in the contact details,
there is a lack of clear information on the procedure for returning the goods and lodging claims,
the photographs in the auction or the offer in the case of counterfeit products do not represent the actual product.
You should be on your guard when...
Nearly 20%
of Poles
Facts:
source
declare that they buy things with counterfeit trademarks of well-known brands.
- data from a study by the analytics and research company UCE RESEARCH.
44% of young people in Poland
intentionally bought a counterfeit and 19% have knowingly accessed pirated content.
- data from a report by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)
(15- 24)
3,3% of global trade
is trade in counterfeit and pirated goods. The value of imported counterfeit goods worldwide is $509 billion.
- data from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report
Campaign partners:
Bądź uważny, nie każdy influencer poleca produkty oryginalne. Ty decydujesz kogo wzmacniasz swoją aktywnością w sieci, komu budujesz zasięgi i czyich rekomendacji słuchasz.
Nie daj się ściemie.
ⓘ
CREATE YOUR STYLE WITHORIGINAL PRODUCTS
Be careful, not every influencer recommends original products. You decide whom you promote with your online activity, whom you build reach with and whose recommendations you listen to.
Fundacja Forum Konsumentów
ul. Klimczaka 17/80 02-797 Warszawa
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