Image courtesy: cbp.gov
As US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported, more than $12 million worth of fake watches, jewelry, and shoes (valued as if legitimate) were seized in August 2026, with the shipments stopped at the US border. Despite the much-discussed struggles of the personal luxury goods industry, and concerns that name-branded and logo-heavy items are falling out of favor, demand for knockoffs continues. In other words, someone still likes to look rich – whether real or fake.
On August 18, CBP officers at the Indianapolis facility uncovered 875 pieces of fake-branded jewelry, with an estimated value over $3 million (if real). The shipment, headed from Korea to a residence in Georgia contained necklaces, bracelets, and earrings bearing trademarks of Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Versace, Gucci, Tiffany & Company, Cartier, and Van Cleef and Arpels, all determined fake upon inspection.
Image courtesy: cbp.gov
Also on August 18, CBP in Louisville, KY intercepted a shipment of watches and shoes valued at $9 million, also heading to Georgia, from Korea. With 152 fake Rolex and LV watches and 32 pairs of Gucci-labeled shoes, most of the estimated value likely came from the timepieces.
Numbers like these — and the continuing flow of watches and jewelry — suggest counterfeiters are betting that the desire for the look of luxury isn’t going anywhere. At least not yet.
So the next time you spot a designer-branded watch or necklace on the subway or at a dinner party, would you be able to tell if it’s real or fake? And, would it matter to you?
- Maura Carlin posted 1 day ago
- last edited 9 hours ago
