Certified Passenger Safety Technicians of the Tampa Police Department are warning parents and caregivers of counterfeit car seats being sold through unauthorized retailers.
At the beginning of February, during a car seat safety check event, Certified Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) came across a counterfeit car seat purchased from the online retailer TEMU, according to TPD.
Tampa CPSTs took the illegitimate seat (picture provided) and installed a car seat that met U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 213).
Counterfeit car seats present a serious danger to child passengers. They are often made with substandard or unsafe materials, may lack essential safety features, frequently display fraudulent safety certifications, and have not undergone proper crash testing to verify their performance in a collision, according to law enforcement.
There are a number of ways parents and caregivers can protect their families:
- Only buy from trusted retailers.
- Check for a label stating FMVSS213 compliance.
- Ensure the car seat includes: manufacturer label, model number, and registration card.
If you believe you or someone you know has a counterfeit car seat, stop using the seat immediately and return it to the seller or manufacturer. You are also encouraged to report it to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
To verify a car seat, check for recalls, or ensure proper installation, community members are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a CPST at the Tampa Police Department.
PHOTOS: The counterfeit car seat taken into possession by Certified Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) of the Tampa Police Department following a car seat safety check event.
