Counterfeiting paradises: Not just an isolated incident

Counterfeiting is not new. Many third world and developing countries have devised numerous ways to reproduce all kinds of merchandise ranging from fake car parts, branded clothing, antiques (like carpets), cosmetics, gold and diamond jewelry, books, CDs, videos, DVDs and even medicine. One of the most popular tourist snapshots in Turkey is the cheeky sign you come across everywhere: “Genuine fake Rolexes.”

Countries who import have their port authorities and customs on alert, but it doesn’t suffice. Dozens and dozens of places have begun to specialize in fake goods. Citizens of the place of origin are often embarrassed for their nation. For example, it must be tough to be a reputable toy manufacturer in China at the moment, given the number of recalls Mattel has made recently.

In many parts of the world peer pressure is usually a way to handle some problems and shame individuals. It does not seem so in this case. Couldn’t decent and respectful citizens express their disgust and the officials check items more thoroughly before shipping them off to another country? Sadly it seems those who engage in such counterfeiting practices are entrepreneurs who take advantage of a weak legal system with lax regulation. Bribery and corruption are rampant -- not only in the country of origin but also at the destination.

Some of the products produced are so dangerous it is clear that human and animal life has no value for the shady businesses. Even buying fish and dog food has become dangerous.

When buying medicine over the Internet or, in some countries, over the counter you must be careful. When purchasing medicine from a pharmacy where you do not usually shop, check the labels and see if it has the genuine stamp of approval. The practice of doctoring medicines occurs; often all kinds of fillers have been used. Unknown to the patient, the medicine becomes like a placebo. Unfortunately a patient buys the medicine to make them better but they get worse. The grimmest scenario is that a person can become very ill or even die. Lately China has received the most media attention in this respect -- a few companies have tried to save money by using the industrial chemical melamine in pet food ingredients and toothpaste.

According to some security research conducted in Turkey, Turkey has its share of the “counterfeiting paradise.” Visitors and newcomers to Turkey need to be aware of this when shopping. Unfortunately it is not just in the bazaar or corner shop; merchandise in shopping malls may not be authentic. We all know the saying “A diamond is a girl’s best friend.” We all admire diamonds but watch out -- diamond purchasing is tricky. There are various types of diamonds so when buying one should learn how to distinguish between the fake and real. There are a few tests you can use to do so.

I was ever so disappointed when someone bought me a beautiful watch with a very expensive gold watchband and within a year the back of the band had corroded. Obviously the dealer was not as reputable as we thought. We did not bother taking it back because we figured the other wouldn’t be any better.

In spite of all the regulations and efforts, it can’t be avoided.

The main trademarks being counterfeited in Turkey include Adidas, Lacoste, Benetton, Rolex, Armani and Tommy Hilfiger. When it comes to things such as toothpaste, detergent, shampoo, tobacco and some food items, fake products are common. It seems officials believe that large amounts of counterfeit products have entered Turkey from the Far East and Eastern Bloc countries through either official import or smuggling.

Whatever the case, Turkey is a strategic market: a bridge to Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Europe and China -- not just a country with a population of 70 million.