| If you are unfamiliar with what makes aftermarket | | | | eyeing for half price may not be for real. Many |
| accessories the genuine article or a shady deal, then | | | | counterfeiters have started to counter this tact by |
| you may not be able to recognize a counterfeit | | | | lowering the price just enough to avoid suspicion. Do |
| performance car accessory when you see it. | | | | your research. Don't settle with finding the item in one |
| Counterfeits exist in every conceivable market, and | | | | place. Shop around to see what the average price is |
| discount car accessories are no exception. | | | | for the accessory and make an educated decision |
| This is not a new problem. Since the 1980's, criminals | | | | based on what you've observed.. |
| have been selling fraudulent high performance car | | | | Take a look at the package. At first glance, the |
| accessories at a cheaper price. The dangers go | | | | package may look legitimate but closer inspection may |
| beyond loss of revenue to the automotive industry. | | | | reveal some flaws that could be signs of the part |
| The lower price may save a few bucks in your | | | | being fraudulent. |
| pocketbook in an automotive world where gas prices | | | | Visit trusted stores or well-recommended shops. Stick |
| are ballooning out of control. It's understandable but | | | | to places you or someone you know trusts. This |
| dwell on this: most of these discount car accessories | | | | doesn't insinuate that every small shop is deliberately |
| and parts sacrifice quality and safety with more | | | | being crooked by selling you discount car accessories; |
| inexpensive and less strong materials. | | | | sometimes they are fooled just as much as you can |
| A few years ago, the CBS Evening News featured | | | | be. Going to distributors you've had good service with |
| Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association | | | | reduces risk as distributors often buy from the same |
| (MEMA) on a counterfeit aftermarket automotive | | | | manufacturer that has never steered them wrong. |
| accessories report. One segment featured a set of | | | | Contact the manufacturer directly. If you're still unsure, |
| rip-off brake pads that were filled with compressed | | | | the manufacturer can often verify if the performance |
| grass or wood instead of the standard friction material. | | | | car accessory is real. Most major companies have |
| Imagine purchasing a popular brand of brake pad | | | | anti-fraudulent protocols to prove the authenticity of an |
| thinking you're getting a great deal, having them | | | | accessory. Sometimes this is as simple as a code |
| installed, then, in an emergency situation, you find your | | | | engraved on the part. |
| brakes fail because they're filled with grass! The | | | | Cutting corners by purchasing cheap aftermarket |
| dangers are apparent. Be very wary of performance | | | | automotive accessories to save a few dollars isn't |
| car accessories at low prices. | | | | worth risking your life. If you feel that you have been a |
| How can the average consumer protect against | | | | victim of a fraud, report the crime immediately. Many |
| aftermarket automotive accessory fraud? Here are | | | | manufacturers have toll-free numbers or websites you |
| some tips: | | | | can visit to file a report. Protect yourself and those |
| If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Seeing | | | | around you, shop smart, and learn how to recognize |
| a popular brand of an auto body kit you've been | | | | counterfeit performance car accessories. |