New Law May Fine Shoppers Buying Fake Luxury Goods

Those buying counterfeit luxury bags from New York City's Chinatown have more than a fake bag coming — they may have real consequences. Chinatown Councilwoman Margaret Chin has designed a new bill which would fine buyers $1,000 for purchasing knockoff Vuitton, Chanel and Hermes bags, among other fakes. "People are still coming, and the industry is growing, and we have to stop the demand," Chin told the New York Post. "We need people to know that they are feeding this demand." According to the Councilwoman, money made from counterfeiting is often used in other illegal activities. The bill will be formally introduced and voted on this Thursday.

Zandile Blay Apr, 26, 2011

Those buying counterfeit luxury bags from New York City’s Chinatown have more than a fake bag coming — they may have real consequences. Chinatown Councilwoman Margaret Chin has designed a new bill which would fine buyers $1,000 for purchasing knockoff Vuitton, Chanel and Hermes bags, among other fakes.

“People are still coming, and the industry is growing, and we have to stop the demand,” Chin told the New York Post. “We need people to know that they are feeding this demand.”

According to the Councilwoman, money made from counterfeiting is often used in other illegal activities. The bill will be formally introduced and voted on this Thursday.