Counterfeits Hit Home: Consumers Are Being Foiled by Fake Water Filters
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.