Intellectual property theft is a growing crime in America.
So what exactly is Intellectual Property Theft?
Basically, it’s robbing people of their ideas, inventions and creative expressions, and that includes everything from trade secrets to DVDs and music.
Would you consider illegally downloading a song or purchasing a counterfeit handbag the same thing as robbing someone on the street?
According to research conducted by the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), more than 3 in 4 adults believe it is, yet 68% still willingly make these purchases to ‘save money.’ And while 2 out of 3 adult Americans agree that piracy and counterfeit products are a problem, the public does not believe that anyone is getting hurt by such purchases.
But the truth is, ‘pirated’ and counterfeit products put lives at risk. For instance, nobody would buy dangerous medicines on purpose. But when you buy prescription or even over-the-counter drugs online from unknown sources, you could be doing just that.
Counterfeit products such as extension cords or cell phones are dangerous as well. Fake products are made without safety standards and they put you and your family at risk.
Illegal downloads and other pirated products expose your computer to viruses and create an opportunity for criminals to steal your identity.
Learn more about this growing threat and help raise awareness about the consequences of purchasing counterfeit and ‘pirated’ products. Don’t get burned by intellectual property theft. Counterfeits hurt.
You have the power to stop them.
Check out NCPC’s latest campaign at www.ncpc.org/getreal.
Article written by NCPC.
