The Super Bowl is just a few days away, and March Madness is just around the corner.
And it doesn’t matter if your team is in the big sport or not, fans are always ready for some new gear.
But before you buy — whether it’s the gear you wore at the Super Bowl, items signed by your favorite players, or just a replica NFL or NBA jersey — know that everything from jerseys to autographs can be faked these days. Is.
Greg Koch, Owner coach sporting goods, Dress up for the big game with everything from Philly sweatshirts to Kansas City jerseys.
But he says be careful with the cheap stuff you get online.
“You’re going to get a neon orange print on it, you might get a misspelled name,” he said.
And in many cases the stitching is poor, and the sizes are nowhere near advertised.
But he says spotting counterfeits can be difficult, especially online, because counterfeiters will also use NFL logos and Nike swooshes.
“You need to buy it from a reputable retailer,” he said.
online retailer fanatics.com (Officially Licensed Seller) has more Warning signs of counterfeit goods:
Better Business Bureau inundated with complaints
Melanie McGovern of the Better Business Bureau says the most obvious sign of a scam when buying sports gear online is the price.
“If it’s too good to be true, it’s probably fake,” she said.
McGovern says the most common complaints from the BBB are:
- Items are arriving late or not arriving at all.
- Poor fit (especially with replica jerseys).
- Overall poor quality, whether in the fabric, the stitching, or the way the letters and numbers are placed.
She says when buying sought-after items like player helmets, photos or equipment, check for “certificates of authenticity.”
Also, ask detailed questions about whether the shirt or jersey was worn or used.
“Any reputable salesperson will answer all of those questions for you,” she said.
Greg Koch says that a genuine replica jersey authorized by the NFL, NBA, NHL or Major League Baseball should cost more than $100.
“Most of the time the price will tell you,” he said.
So avoid cheap knockoffs that will look bad and may fall apart in the wash.
That way you don’t waste your money.
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