A benefit of technology is it gives us the ability to use our time more wisely and the means to do so. Saving time by automating your purchases could mean scheduling your cat food to get delivered to your doorstep every two weeks, or picking out new makeup without leaving the house. Online, we have unlimited access to products and services we might not have or even known about in person. And while we were shifting toward contactless delivery before 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted us more than ever to incorporate e-commerce and technology into our lives. With this advancement inevitably comes the very real threat of counterfeiting.
While counterfeiting has always challenged brands, with e-commerce taking the lead, consumers are bombarded with the possibility of being affected. Governments across the globe are trying to implement strict legislations and penalties and encourage brands to use anti-counterfeit packaging, but the markets continue to be flooded with undetectable fakes. The World Customs Organization reports that counterfeit goods bring in over $650 billion every year.