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TheBlackAdder

(28,072 posts)
Mon Jan 20, 2020, 09:43 PM Jan 2020

Counterfeits hit home: Consumers are being foiled by fake water filters (Thanks Amazon)

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It's a long article, both American and Canadian import issues:


For years, Montreal resident Brent George bought replacement water filters for his refrigerator from a local appliance store. Then one time he turned to Amazon, where he often shopped for other products. Besides being more convenient, the online filters he selected — sold by a third party and not by manufacturer Whirlpool — were also cheaper.

Ultimately, George got more than he expected: an introduction to the hidden and potentially harmful world of counterfeit refrigerator water filters. Many consumers may be unaware of the risk of buying fake filters online, but sources in law enforcement and the appliance industry say it's significant — and likely growing.

Refrigerator filters are an attractive target for unscrupulous sellers looking to make a quick buck. They're pricey (typically up to $50), purchased every six months at the behest of large corporations, and often difficult for consumers to evaluate.

By slapping some labels, packaging and fake certifications on lookalike filters with little functionality, then selling them online at discounted prices — directly to consumers or via intermediaries who may not always be in on the act — counterfeiters can undercut legitimate manufacturers and still turn a profit.
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Neither the association nor three major filter manufacturers could tell FairWarning how much counterfeiting costs the companies in lost revenue. But Notini said the group estimates the number of fake water filters to be "in the millions."

And the threat appears to be increasing. Between 2016 and 2018, seizures of fake refrigerator water filters at U.S. ports grew considerably. In all, Customs and Border Protection seized more than 150,000 such products or related parts in dozens of cases nationwide, according to the agency's most recent data, provided to FairWarning.

https://www.salon.com/2020/01/20/counterfeits-hit-home-consumers-are-being-foiled-by-fake-water-filters_partner/


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C_U_L8R

(44,891 posts)
1. Amazon has a big counterfeit problem across all products.
Mon Jan 20, 2020, 09:53 PM
Jan 2020

Readings lots of comments about dodgy products. So many questionable 'partners'. Amazon's gotta fix it or they'll lose trust.

dalton99a

(81,065 posts)
6. +1. What you see is oftentimes not what you're going to get, and beware of glowing reviews
Mon Jan 20, 2020, 10:36 PM
Jan 2020

Counterfeiters have learned to game the system, and Amazon is commingling their trash with the real stuff


jeffreyi

(1,934 posts)
4. I just had a bad experience with Amazon.
Mon Jan 20, 2020, 10:25 PM
Jan 2020

A third-party seller. Long story short, I was charged exorbitant shipping and handling inappropriately. There's not much recourse at this point, apparently. Check your invoices, every time. I've been a good customer for 20+ years, and this is the first time this problem has surfaced.

NRaleighLiberal

(59,940 posts)
5. even worse - Samsung changed the structure of the filter in refrigs older than 5 years - they no
Mon Jan 20, 2020, 10:31 PM
Jan 2020

longer fit even though they carry the same number. When you try to return them, they give you a real hassle.

So, not only does Amazon stock lots of crap stuff, but even the name brands are acting as if their products are quickly disposable - but don't tell anyone until they find out the parts no longer fit.

hunter

(38,264 posts)
7. The refrigerator manufacturers can fuck off as well.
Mon Jan 20, 2020, 10:42 PM
Jan 2020

The markup on their "official" filters is bullshit.


TygrBright

(20,733 posts)
8. Simple solution to the refrigerator filters problem:
Mon Jan 20, 2020, 11:51 PM
Jan 2020

Don't buy a model that has an icemaker/water dispenser. Or, if you do, don't hook it up and don't use it.

Ours broke four years ago.

We don't miss it.

Will never buy another one.

Brita pitcher.

Ice cube trays.

frugally,
Bright

marlakay

(11,370 posts)
9. I buy my GE filters from Amazon
Tue Jan 21, 2020, 01:12 AM
Jan 2020

It says GE on it by Amazon now you have me wondering.

They are expensive why people get them there.

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