21. How to Protect Yourself From 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.”
