Wirecutter’s Jason Chen Breaks Down Your Biggest Black Friday & Holiday Shopping Doubts

Jason Chen answers your top Black Friday shopping questions. Jason Chen answers your top Black Friday shopping questions.

21. How to Protect Yourself From Counterfeit Products

Buy from trusted retailers, check authenticity marks, and read reviews to avoid counterfeit products.
Buy from trusted retailers, check authenticity marks, and read reviews to avoid counterfeit products.

During the holiday sales boom, counterfeit sellers see an opportunity to blend in. Jason Chen gives practical ways to avoid becoming a victim.

Signs of a counterfeit listing:

  • Extremely low price compared to competitors
  • Seller not recognized or brand name slightly misspelled
  • Poor quality product images
  • Descriptions filled with grammar errors
  • Mismatched reviews and product category

How Jason suggests staying safe:

  • Buy only from authorized sellers
  • Avoid listings with “fulfilled by marketplace” but not “sold by brand”
  • Check the brand’s official website for approved retailers
  • Avoid brand-new sellers with no transaction history

For high-value electronics, Chen insists:
“Never compromise on authenticity for a discount.”