Mercedes-Benz shared that during the past two years of the pandemic, product pirates have been using online platforms and social media channels to offer counterfeit goods.
Buying a luxury car is a huge investment in itself and with the increasing number of fake sites online these days, if one finds out that the model on which crores have been spent is a fake of the real thing, the punch can be tough. Have to endure The issue is real, one that is facing Mercedes-Benz after the premium automaker reported that 1.86 million counterfeit Mercedes-Benz products were confiscated last year. It has been found in over 650 raids conducted in 2021. This is an increase of about six per cent over 2020.
Mercedes-Benz shared that during the past two years of the pandemic, product pirates have been using online platforms and social media channels to offer counterfeit goods. “Fake goods can be placed on online platforms and sold with the support of social media in a very short time,” Mercedes-Benz said. These products are not only illegal but also pose a threat to the safety of the user and fellow road users.
(Also Read | Mercedes-Benz To Introduce Level 3 Autonomous Driving Technology In US)
Renata Jungo Brunger, a member of the board of management for Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Integrity and Legal Affairs, said the business of the counterfeiting industry has organized crime structures and often generates higher profits than drug trafficking. “We are working closely with authorities around the world to reduce these structures and tackle road safety hazards,” Brunger said.
Mercedes-Benz shared that it is taking steps to expand its strategic and operational measures against counterfeiting in online trading. The premium automaker is following the path of detect, attack and stop. “Our brand protection experts can identify fraudsters by investigating suspicious offers on online platforms and social media or at trade fairs around the world,” Mercedes-Benz explained.
(Also Read | Mercedes-Benz EQE more profitable than E-Class, claims OEM)
Counterfeit products can be difficult to visually distinguish from genuine parts, however, counterfeit products are of low quality and do not meet minimum legal requirements in terms of safety. “Our brand protection experts have adapted quickly to the growing business model of the counterfeiting industry. In 2021, more than 126,000 counterfeit products were removed from online platforms,” said Braunger.
First published date: 05 Aug 2022, 09:22 AM IST