Amidst the excitement of the 2012 NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, February 26, at the Amway Center, the NBA is warning unsuspecting fans – eager to commemorate the event – that counterfeiters will also be attempting to sell unauthorized and poorly produced knock-off merchandise. Not only do counterfeiters victimize legitimate retailers in the Orlando area, they also victimize basketball fans who believe they are purchasing authentic NBA gear, only to later learn they have purchased merchandise of inferior quality.
The NBA is working closely with federal and state law enforcement officials – – Homeland Security Investigations, the Orlando Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office – – who throughout NBA All-Star weekend will enforce laws prohibiting the sale of counterfeit merchandise.
The NBA has a comprehensive anti-counterfeiting program to protect fans looking to purchase genuine NBA jerseys and merchandise, including the official NBA hologram that is affixed to all authentic NBA product.
To avoid being victimized by counterfeiters:
• Look for the hologram sticker or holographic hangtag and a sewn-in or screen-printed neck label identifying the merchandise as “genuine” or “official,” as authorized by the NBA.
• Shop at NBA-authorized retail locations, such as NBA All-Star Jam Session at the Orange County Convention Center, the Amway Center, and official hotels – rather than buying items from street vendors, flea markets, or other questionable sources.
• Shop online at NBAStore.com or other NBA authorized online retailers.
• Beware of ripped tags or irregular markings on apparel.
