The Rising Risk of Fraudulent Websites

AAFA developed a discussion white paper to highlight and explain the growing concerns AAFA members and consumers face with the rise of fraudulent websites. AAFA’s hope is to offer immediate options to service providers as we look to long-term solutions, working with policymakers and others across the industry, to stop counterfeiters and illegal fraudsters. 

Fraud Websites: Spotlight within the Digital Devalue Chain of Counterfeits

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) developed “The Rising Risk of Fraudulent Websites: Spotlight within the Digital Devalue Chain of Counterfeits,” a discussion white paper, to highlight and explain the growing concerns around an interlinking piece of the Digital Devalue Chain of Counterfeits (devalue chain), fraudulent websites.

AAFA’s goal with this white paper is to flag current trends, detail limitations of the current system, and position concerns for policymakers and elected leaders to help identify long-term solutions to stop counterfeiters and illegal fraudsters.

If we do not let fraudsters hide in the dark of night on our street corners, we should not tolerate them hiding in plain sight online.

We must all work to end the scourge of fraudulent websites.

For this paper, AAFA conducted a member survey and spoke with government and industry leaders. AAFA explored pitfalls of the current system and analyzed potential solutions on how to effectively combat fraudulent websites. Additionally, AAFA members contributed to the paper by quantifying the challenges and sharing examples.

The white paper illustrates how fraudulent websites act as the face of the fraud perpetuated by the devalue chain and builds on previous thought leadership around Dupe Influencers and AAFA’s Fraudulent Advertising work with TRACIT.

AAFA calls on government leaders to explore all available solutions to address fraudulent websites and unlink the devalue chain with proactive measures that will reduce risks to consumers, governments, and legitimate brand owners.

As fraud continues to expand and grow in both scope and sophistication, the white paper offers service providers immediate and identifiable tactics, so they do their part to protect consumers, businesses, and governments.

Through AAFA’s Brand Protection Council, AAFA advocates for the protection of intellectual property rights; builds awareness of the dangers of counterfeits to businesses, consumers, workers, and the environment.

Interested in learning more? Visit Digital Devalue Chain of Counterfeits, talk to AAFA about the Brand Protection Council, or contact AAFA News for media inquiries. Follow along with #FightFakes.

Download the report  [PDF].

Questions? Contact Jennifer Hanks.

AAFA Members:
Take part in AAFA's Brand Protection Council and explore our Brand Protection resources, news, events!


Learn more at aafaglobal.org/dupeinfluencers

Learn more with our news from March 23, 2022 and April 26, 2022.