|
International Art Treasures Web Magazine September 2005 |
Buyer Beware
Bargain shopping is hand and hand with tourism. Everyone wants the best buys, such as buying Prada in Italy. Counterfeit items are a worldwide problem. Italy recently addressed this with legislation that impacts both the seller and purchaser of popular items for counterfeiters such as purses, sunglasses, watches, belts, bearing household names like Prada, Gucci and Fendi.
It's not only the creator and seller of the counterfeit items that will pay the price of the criminal activity in Italy. It is a hefty fine for those caught buying the goods, with fines of up to 10,000 Euros for people caught purchasing counterfeit products, and criminal charges for anyone caught selling counterfeit goods.
The Italian Government Tourist Board strongly recommends that tourists do not, under any circumstance, attempt to purchase any counterfeit items, as it may end up costing more than if an authentic product had been purchased. Caveat Emptor! |
|
