Beware of Fakes

Genco

Almost purchased some gap wedges on a certain auction website until I was referred to the following press release by a pal who had the previous misfortune to end up with fakes. Was a cheap reminder that if it looks too good to be true ......

Pal had purchased from USA at the beginning of the year thinking he was safe as the seller had 952 positive feedback with no negative feedback whatsoever.

After Googling the name of the person that appeared on the credit card he came across the following article.

Just a heads up



Two Arrested For Counterfeiting After Investigation By Acushnet Company And Cleveland Golf

Fairhaven, MA, (December 21, 2007) – Following a raid in Plano, Texas on Friday December 14, two men were arrested and charged with felony trademark counterfeiting. A six-month investigation by the Texas Rangers and Frisco Police Department, in cooperation with the Acushnet Company, Cleveland Golf, and Eaton Corp., resulted in allegations that Ronald Grunwald and Norman Millender operated an Internet-based site that sold fake brand-name golf clubs.

It is the second time in as many weeks that the Acushnet Company, which is comprised of the Titleist, FootJoy, and Cobra golf equipment brands, played an integral role in the breaking of an alleged major counterfeit operation by working with the local authorities. Last week, two people were arrested in North Carolina for selling counterfeit golf accessories on-line.

“We will continue to work vigorously with other golf manufacturers and law enforcement to send a clear message to those who profit from the selling and manufacturing of counterfeit goods,” said Lisa Rogan, Acushnet Company Trademark Manager. “Counterfeit golf equipment has been on the rise, and we have made a serious commitment to protect our brands and intellectual property. We are grateful to the Texas Rangers and Frisco Police Department for their cooperation in this case.”

According to Steve Gingrich, Vice President of Global Operations for Cleveland Golf, the items were being advertised on eBay as “brand new, never been used” merchandise at prices just below market value.

"The selling of counterfeit golf products is a rampant problem, especially over the Internet,” said Gingrich. “Even legitimate sites, such as eBay, fall victim to this type of criminal activity. Counterfeiting is in no way a victimless crime. The victims are the consumers.”

In this case, Acushnet and Cleveland Golf observed counterfeit Vokey Design wedges and other counterfeit golf clubs being sold on eBay and conducted an internal investigation prior to presenting the matter to the Frisco Police Department. The counterfeit Titleist, Cleveland and Golf Pride products were allegedly imported from Asia and then sold both domestically and internationally on eBay, a well-known on-line marketplace. In addition to the two arrests, law enforcement officials seized hundreds of counterfeit golf clubs, golf grips, and accessories, including goods from other golf manufacturers.

"We are pleased to cooperate with government authorities and our industry partners to help protect consumers, distributors, pro shops, and retailers from counterfeit Golf Pride product,” said Jeff Fiorini, general manager of Eaton's Golf Grip Division. “With product seizures in Texas and last week in North Carolina, we remain diligent in our efforts to combat this growing issue in the golf grip category.”

Titleist, FootJoy and Cobra comprise the major golf brands of the Acushnet Company, an operating company of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE - FO). Titleist, Cobra and FootJoy are trademarks owned by Acushnet Company. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.


Media Contact:
Joe Gomes, Director of Communications
Acushnet Company (508) 979.3211

Mister Sifter

I got stung last year. Bought a Taylor Made Superquad from a well known internet auction site. Seller had good feedback.

Had a problem with one of the screws a few months later and took it into a TM stockist to get it sent away and fixed. They sent it back saying it was counterfeit.

When i went i to pick it up again, i was pretty embarassed. They showed me a real one and we put them side by side. They were pretty much identical. Just a few minor differences which were tell tale signs. I actually hit the club very well up until the screw went.

These companies which make the fake clubs have got so good at it these days that it's hard to tell. I learned my lesson though and haven't bought anything from **** since.

I never got the money back and the club still sits in the boot of my car as a reminder of 250 euro wasted. The seller never responded to my emails. Had a good mind to email all the other buyers of the same club and tell them, but never did.

milltown

Did you try to pursue a refund through Paypal or your credit card company?
I find that sellers that won't reply to emails are much quicker to discuss when they think the money will be taken back off them. I'd imagine most sellers of fake stuff will factor a certain amount of such losses into their prices.

stockdam

The seller may not even know they are selling fake goods.......however I don't know. Ebay is full of fakes, especially clothes.

Mister Sifter

milltown wrote: »

Did you try to pursue a refund through Paypal or your credit card company?
I find that sellers that won't reply to emails are much quicker to discuss when they think the money will be taken back off them. I'd imagine most sellers of fake stuff will factor a certain amount of such losses into their prices.

I did try taking it up with ebay, but they weren't interested. It was 6-7 months before i found out it was fake. After 6 months they're not interested. My only real option was to take it up with the Police. I never did though.

Perhaps if i'd emailed all the other buyers of the clubs and if they'd all emailed saying 'give me my cash back', he might've took fright and paid up.

I threatened him with doing this and the best he offered me was a replacement driver and a box of balls. I didn't see the point in swapping one fake driver for another.