But when it comes to cars, counterfeit is also a big deal. Knockoff parts can be lower quality, or they can be outright dangerous.
If you add a fake AMG badge to your Merc to turn a C300 into a C63, you probably don't need to worry about safety. Maybe about peeling "chrome" in a year, but that's not a big deal. Other parts, though, can be shockingly dangerous. Mercedes-Benz says that seizures have found air filters made from highly flammable materials, brake pads that don't work and contain lead and arsenic, and more. Those fake parts go beyond intellectual property theft.
Benz Investigations Led To 793 Global Raids Last Year
Mercedes-Benz says that it was involved in 793 raids around the world. It had 212,000 ads for fake parts taken down, and in 2024 authorities seized 1.5 million counterfeit Benz components. It's a number that is going up, but making an impact is difficult.
A team of "brand protectors" look for Benz products online and through other sources, then investigate to find out what are fakes. Ultimately, the brand protectors are looking for the factory that makes them, trying to cut off the source. Mercedes-Benz claims that these counterfeit workshops have "catastrophic working conditions" and cause "serious environmental damage" on top of costing it money.
Benz is unique in that it offers a look at the impact of fakes each year, though it's hardly the only one impacted. In 2023, it seized 1.6 million parts in 740 raids, including steering parts and more filters it said could cause serious accidents. 2022 saw 620 raids and seizures included bad brakes and wheels that shattered under Benz's usual stress testing.
Fake Parts Are Big Business, Big Risk
Fake parts are becoming a big problem across multiple industries, and it's worth billions. Counterfeit airplane parts have resulted in hundreds of crashes and deaths, including at least one commercial passenger jet. Fake electronics like phones and memory cards are also problematic, though a wiped card is probably not at the level of brake pads that crumble.
"Originals stand for tested quality. They meet technical, environmental, and occupational safety requirements, ensuring road safety. Therefore, we work closely with authorities to prevent the spread of counterfeits. Through our extensive fight against the counterfeit industry, we protect road users from serious accidents, safeguard customers from deception, and strengthen trust in our brand."
Ferrari Will Reward Snitches Who Report Counterfeit Ferrari Parts
Tell Maranello who is stealing its intellectual property, and Ferrari will send you something special (and mysterious) to say thanks.
How can you avoid fake parts? Mercedes says the main warning sign is a lower price. Sketchy websites are also a tell. If you have the part in-hand, then clues like poor fit and finish and other defects can tip you off.
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