In one of the largest counterfeit sports memorabilia seizures in recent years, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents at the Port of Cincinnati seized $1.43 million worth of counterfeit sports memorabilia in the week leading up to Super Bowl LIX.
According to reports, 30 of the 85 shipments, primarily from Hong Kong and China, contained more than 4,000 counterfeit sports memorabilia items including NFL, MLB and MLS jerseys. Sales of sports memorabilia generally spike around major sporting events such as the World Cup, Super Bowl, Olympics or the holiday season.
Customs agents told reporters that generally speaking, they’re on the look out for forged or counterfeit medication, or other items which can be ingested. However, in recent years, they’ve seen a surge in the counterfeit sports memorabilia market, primarily coming from Asian markets overseas.
While consumers can protect themselves by purchasing items from verified domestic retailers, having their items authenticated by services such as PSA or EBay Authenticity guarantee, the overwhelming majority of sales of both sports cards and memorabilia remain of the “raw” (i.e. ungraded/verified) variety.
Border agents recommend buyers ensure they’re purchasing from a reputable dealer, with active phone numbers, and a clear return policy before shelling out big bucks for memorabilia of their favourite sports stars.
Photo: CBP Photography. This image or file is a work of a United States Department of Homeland Security employee, taken or made as part of that person’s official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image is in the public domain in the United States.