The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry takes on counterfeiters at their own game

It’s no secret: enter the keywords “replica watch” into any search engine and it will return over 15 million pages, opening up the vast realms of counterfeiting on the Net to users who leave no doubt as to their intentions: to buy a fake watch for a fraction of the price of the genuine article. Obviously, this is to the detriment of the companies that manufacture the originals. But do these buyers realise the consequences of their acts? Yes or no, the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) has made it its business to remind them what these repercussions are with the launch, mid-September, of a phoney website, www.replicaswisswatch.com. Customers are lured to the site only to be directed to a page warning them of the harmful effects of counterfeiting and the risks that they, as buyers of counterfeit goods, incur.

The “trap” is carefully laid, from the list of models on sale to the reasons why the site has the best offers. It even justifies purchases made outside official networks and promises buyers complete confidentiality and data protection. However, this sense of security is shortlived. As soon as users are ready to add products to their cart, they are redirected to a page on the Federation’s website which informs them, in no uncertain terms, of the implications of their act under the heading: “”Fraud! A new hobby of yours? Don’t buy Swiss replica watches!”

Buyers are victims

The Federation’s arsenal of information includes the risks and sanctions incurred. Criminal sanctions can go as far as a $1 million fine and a five-year jail sentence, depending on the country. Customs sanctions include fines, seizures and destruction of the counterfeit goods. Buyers also risk civil sanctions as the intellectual property rights holders can claim damages. They should also know that the criminal organisations behind counterfeiting can access their personal data, such as their name, address and credit card number, leaving the door open to all manner of misuse.

As web users read on, they learn how counterfeiting makes them a victim, as they are putting their health and safety at risk, financing criminal organisations, condoning child labour and sweatshops, accepting the infringement of intellectual property rights, and undermining employment and economic growth. Enough to give anyone genuine second thoughts…