A total of R10 million counterfeit items were seized during the raid.
Whether you are a long-time football fan or here for the vibes, millions around the world are celebrating and enjoying the FIFA World Cup. But there is a darker side to the good vibes as authorities, brands and consumer watchdogs are warning supporters to be cautious when buying jerseys, memorabilia and other tournament-related merchandise.
Major sporting events often trigger a surge in the sale of counterfeit and fake goods, with scammers taking advantage of high demand for official products. While the terms "fake" and "counterfeit" are often used interchangeably, there are important differences between them.
A counterfeit product is designed to deliberately imitate a genuine branded item. It unlawfully uses a company's trademarks, logos, packaging or branding to convince consumers that it is authentic.
For example, a jersey carrying FIFA branding or the logo of a national team without authorisation would be considered counterfeit if it is marketed as an official product.
