Counterfeiting and terrorism

In most major cities around the world, there is an active and highly profitable shadow economy in dummy consumer goods, which is estimated to generate more than $ 500 billion a year. If you've ever stumbled upon Counterfeit Alley in downtown Manhattan, you've already seen one of the largest counterfeit markets in the world.

While many of us spend our waking hours craving the latest fashion creations from our favorite designers, many people buy imitation or fake items without fully appreciating the consequences.

I recently read a book called Knockoff, written by a man named Tim Phillips. It was an insightful reading, with a number of interesting and often disturbing ideas presented. I have been particularly interested in the section he has devoted to the trade of bogus luxury items such as designer handbags. Nowadays, it seems that I can not go anywhere without seeing someone wearing a fake Prada or Gucci handbag. Personally, I have always resisted the urge to buy a counterfeit handbag. I avoided the temptation mainly because such an action only undermines an industry that I have become more and more in love with. If we consider the price of some high-end purses, it is not surprising that some people buy fake.

What will surprise you is the discovery that their money supports future terrorist attacks in America and abroad. This book has confirmed my belief in supporting legitimate businesses. Have you ever stopped knowing where the money was going when you spent on counterfeit consumer products? This book will provide you with scary information. The black market of counterfeit consumer goods provides incredible resources to criminal organizations, and these organizations certainly do not care about the public interest.

One of the most disturbing ideas of this book was to suggest that terrorist organizations, working with organized crime groups, use the profits from these illegal sales to support future attacks. I could not sleep at night if I thought of supporting terrorist campaigns to maim and kill innocent civilians in America or elsewhere. I firmly believe in a conscientious buyer and support for companies trying to make the world a better place. I will gladly pay three times the price of a phony wallet to make sure my money does not support terrorism. Check out Knockoff when you have a chance. It's a real revelation.