Consumers are warned that counterfeit Vicks' VapoRub and Vicks' Inhaler products have been discovered in retail locations in New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida. The counterfeit products were sold to distributors who then sold to smaller independent stores.
A investigation by New York authorities led to two arrests and the seizure of counterfeit Vicks' products. Authorities report they have taken down a major million-dollar counterfeiting operation at five locations across Nassau County.
Legitimate manufacturers follow strict government regulations to protect consumers from hazardous products that can endanger the public, but counterfeit products have no such safeguards. Officials are running tests to see if the products could pose health issues.
The authentic Vicks' VapoRub product and packaging was copied by counterfeiters to deceive consumers.
Vicks is the obvious and direct victim of counterfeiting, but this illicit activity also poses a real threat to the safety of consumers.
Counterfeiters are very good at creating visually deceptive counterfeit products and packaging to deceive you.
These products have turned up in New York, Pennsylvania and Florida. (photo Nassau County D/A).
Counterfeit Vicks' VapoRub seized by authorities in Nassau County is deceptively similar in appearance to the authentic Vick's product.
The ingredients in counterfeit products are unknown and may be hazardous to consumers. (Photo Nassau County D/A)
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