How to avoid buying fakes on Walmart, Amazon and other online marketplaces

Core Insights - The article discusses the increasing risk of counterfeit products in online marketplaces as consumers prioritize convenience and value over brand loyalty [3][4] - A CNBC investigation revealed that third-party sellers on Walmart's marketplace have been offering fake health and beauty products, prompting Walmart to tighten its vetting process [4][5] - E-commerce sales in the U.S. have reached record highs between 2020 and 2024, coinciding with a more than doubling of goods seized for intellectual property violations [5] Consumer Behavior - Consumers are increasingly turning to online marketplaces for purchases, raising concerns about inadvertently buying counterfeit products [3][4] - Experts advise consumers to be cautious and conduct thorough research on sellers to avoid fake products [6][10] Counterfeit Products in Marketplaces - Counterfeit goods have been a persistent issue in third-party marketplaces, and while platforms like Amazon and Walmart have implemented policies to combat this, eradicating counterfeits entirely remains challenging [8][9] - The Inform Consumers Act, effective in 2023, requires platforms to disclose seller information, enhancing transparency for consumers [11] Guidelines for Consumers - Consumers should research sellers, check business addresses, and look for discrepancies in product offerings to identify potential counterfeit risks [10][13][14] - Price discrepancies can be a significant indicator of counterfeit products; items sold at unusually low prices should raise red flags [17][18][19] - Packaging can also provide clues about product authenticity; consumers are encouraged to compare new packaging with previous purchases [20][21] Actions if a Fake Product is Purchased - If a counterfeit product is suspected, consumers should stop using it immediately, report it to the platform, and seek medical attention if necessary [22]