U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) warned sports fans on Apr. 8 to be alert for counterfeit merchandise as anticipation grows for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The agency said that major international sporting events often attract individuals seeking to profit by selling fake items, which can include jerseys, hats, tickets, and memorabilia. These counterfeit goods are frequently marketed both online and in person, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between authentic products and fraudulent ones.
"Every year, major international sporting events attract bad actors who attempt to cash in by selling fake jerseys, hats, tickets and memorabilia," said ICE Deputy Director Charles Wall. "These counterfeit goods are often marketed online and in person, preying on fan enthusiasm and making it difficult to identify authentic products from fraudulent ones."
ICE stated that its Homeland Security Investigations directorate works throughout the year with U.S. Customs and Border Protection as well as state and local law enforcement through the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center. Their efforts focus on identifying and disrupting the sale of counterfeit goods across international shipments, online marketplaces, e-commerce platforms, and retail outlets involved in illicit trade.
According to ICE, more than 276,000 counterfeit sports-related items valued at over $33 million were seized last year during nationwide enforcement actions. With the global audience expected for the World Cup this year, officials anticipate similar criminal activity targeting consumers.
To help protect fans from purchasing fake merchandise or tickets, ICE continues its “True Fans Keep It Real” campaign aimed at raising public awareness about counterfeiting risks. The agency advises consumers to shop only at trusted retailers; beware of legitimate product photos used deceptively by unauthorized sellers; inspect apparel for poor quality or irregular markings; purchase tickets from reputable sources; and monitor bank statements closely after transactions.
