These Chanel brooches aren’t what they seem, officials in Mississippi warn. Here’s why
Counterfeit Chanel jewelry, which would be worth over $150,000 if real, was seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers in Mississippi, officials announced in an April 1 news release.
Officers inspected a shipment from China at the Vicksburg/Jackson port on March 29, and discovered it contained 250 women’s brooches embellished with the “CC” Chanel logo, the release said.
If the brooches were real, they’d be worth about $162,500, officials said.
“People often make the mistake of believing that purchasing counterfeit items is a victimless crime,” Acting Assistant Director of Field Operations Miguel Garza said in the release. “However, these items often fund transnational criminal organizations, and cost taxpayers billions.”
Counterfeit goods are also often of a lower quality, officials warned. They urge purchasers to buy goods directly from authorized retailers or brands.
