![Operation Team Player - True Fans Keep it Real](https://www.iprcenter.gov/image-repository/otp-social-infographics-1920x1080-client3-23.jpg/@@images/image/high)
ABOUT OPERATION TEAM PLAYER
That ad you see on social media or from your favorite e-commerce site may be selling the merchandise you want at a cheaper price. They may also be putting you at risk for identity theft and financial scams. The extent of their illicit sales may force legitimate American small businesses to close. The money they make may fund other crimes that could harm American communities. This is why it is important to purchase from trusted retailers only.
Operation Team Player is a partnership between the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Custom and Border Protection (CBP) and major sports leagues to prevent the illegal import and sale of fake sports merchandise.
OUR PARTNERS
![Our partnership with major sports leagues through “Operation Team Player” is a collaboration protecting sports fans from the real consequences of fake sports merchandise.](https://www.iprcenter.gov/image-repository/otp-website-social-infographics-1920x1080-client5-18.jpg/@@images/image/high)
MEET THE TEAM
![](https://www.iprcenter.gov/image-repository/otp-website-graphics-sean-fitzgerald-final.jpg/@@images/image/large)
![Angel Villagrana
Customs Trade Officer
@Customs & Border Protection
“Stopping the importation of counterfeit goods in the U.S. is a crucial team effort between the major sporting leagues and the IPR Center.”
We know that #TrueFansKeepItReal](https://www.iprcenter.gov/image-repository/otp-website-graphics-angel-client5-2.jpg/@@images/image/large)
![Dolores DiBella
Senior Vice President of Legal Affairs
@National Football League
We sincerely value efforts these consumer protection initiatives that help ensure fans can support their favorite teams and avoid counterfeit scams.”](https://www.iprcenter.gov/image-repository/otp-website-graphics-dolores-client5-1.jpg/@@images/image/large)
UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
Real Consequences of Fake Merchandise
Stolen
Identity.
Hurt
American Businesses.
Fund
Real Criminals.
DID YOU KNOW?
![While estimates vary, the total amount of counterfeit goods sold each year comes in at around $1.7T-$4.5T (This figure is between/or more than the Nominal GDP of Japan, Germany, India, United Kingdom, France, Russia, Canada, Italy, Brazil, and Australia, separately.
Fake Merchandise, real consequences.
Nominal GDP: Nominal Gross Domestic Product is the total market value of all goods and services produced in a country’s economy over a given period. Unlike other GDP measurements, nominal GDP is not adjusted to account for prices changes for inflation and deflation](https://www.iprcenter.gov/image-repository/otp-social-infographics-1080x1080-client3-10.jpg/@@images/image/large)
![](https://www.iprcenter.gov/image-repository/otp-website-social-infographics-1080x1080-client5-13.jpg/@@images/image/large)
![39,000 jobs in wholesaling and
280,000 retail jobs paying over
13.6B in wages and benefits to workers
Were lost because of counterfeit production](https://www.iprcenter.gov/image-repository/otp-social-infographics-1080x1080-client4-12.jpg/@@images/image/large)
![Top 5 counterfeit items
1. Jerseys
2. T-shirts
3. Hats
4. Jewelry
5. Championship Rings](https://www.iprcenter.gov/image-repository/otp-social-infographics-1080x1080-client3-7.jpg/@@images/image/large)
IS THE ADVERTISEMENT REAL?
Learn how to spot the ads that are selling counterfeit sports merchandise.
IS THIS AD SELLING COUNTERFEIT GOODS?
![](https://www.iprcenter.gov/image-repository/amazing-sports-store.jpg/@@images/image/large)
Unusually low prices.
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
IS THIS AD SELLING COUNTERFEIT GOODS?
![](https://www.iprcenter.gov/image-repository/cheap-clothing-store.jpg/@@images/image/large)
Fake-sounding reviews.
Companies that sell authentic sports memorabilia don't have fake-sounding, hard to understand, or repetitive reviews.
IS THIS AD SELLING COUNTERFEIT GOODS?
![](https://www.iprcenter.gov/image-repository/vinicius-junior-002.jpg/@@images/image/large)
Sketchy looking websites.
Licensed dealers have modern, easy to navigate, error free webpages.
CAN YOU SPOT THE FAKE?
Learn how to spot the fake sports merchandise.
![](https://www.iprcenter.gov/image-repository/otp-website-social-infographics-1080x1080-client5-22.jpg/@@images/image/large)
Real sports merchandise has a multi-color hologram on the tag. Counterfeit sports merchandise will have a poor quality hologram or no hologram on the tag.
![](https://www.iprcenter.gov/image-repository/otp-website-social-infographics-1080x1080-client5-23.jpg/@@images/image/large)
Real sports merchandise has a high quality interior stitching. Counterfeit sports merchandise will have poor quality interior stitching.
HOW TO SHOP SMART
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Below are a few tips to help you shop legally and shop smartly. Remember, purchasing from trusted retailers is the best way to guarantee your purchase and ensure you receive authentic merch.
![Young man picking up merchandise goods](https://www.iprcenter.gov/image-repository/the-young-man-in-a-sports-shop-is-picking-up-goods-2023-11-27-05-09-53-utc.jpg/@@images/image/large)
![]() | Research the seller. Check the location and legitimacy of the company before you buy. |
![]() | Price shop. Cheaper does not always mean better. |
![]() | Inspect the merchandise. The real deal will have the correct color, font, spelling, and a tag with a hologram sticker. |
![]() | Determine the payment method. Wire transfer and prepaid debit cards are signs of a scam. |
![]() | Check the return policy. Determine if a money-back guarantee is available. |
OPERATION TEAM PLAYER WINS
INSTANT REPLAY
JOIN THE
TEAM!
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![]() | Fake merchandise has real consequences – protect yourself and support American small businesses. |
![]() | True fans brag about their team – share what you’ve learned with family and friends. |