Feds seize millions in phony NFL goods

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A consumer alert was issued Thursday by the NFL. Officials say "Buyer Beware" when it comes to buying NFL merchandise and Super Bowl Tickets.

A four month-long nationwide investigation ended with federal agents seizing more than $4.8 million in fake NFL merchandise. That's a 29 percent increase over last year. The nationwide operation included Indiana.

Registers were ringing at the NFL Shop set up inside the JW Marriott in Indianapolis. Customers can buy anything from t-shirts to key chains to super bowl pins. The difference here, it's all officially licensed.

Steve Gold stopped by to purchase a few souvenirs for his friends.

"I know I'm getting the real stuff here but so it's just as easy to get it here as anywhere else. Why get it on the street when you can get it here?" said Gold.

Getting it on the street or on the internet can lead you to purchasing counterfeit items. With three days left before the Super Bowl, federal agents have already seized more than 42,000 items of phony Super Bowl related memorabilia. The director of US Customs and Immigration says the counterfeit operations are getting more and more sophisticated.

"Before you would go to the corner of 4th and Main to get something like this and it would be out of somebody's trunk and it would be for $10 and they're not selling this for $10 they are selling it for a slight discount over what you would get in a legitimate site or store. So it is becoming increasingly a true dup on the consumer." said John Morton Director, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

During the counterfeit sweep, federal agents targeted and shut down 307 illegal internet sites that look legitimate but sell counterfeit merchandise.

To avoid getting duped, officials say stick to the retailers you know and trust. Law enforcement officials say the fake clothing doesn't just affect the NFL's bottom line, it has a far reaching effect.

"For local businesses when you see this type of competition when people are paying to be able to sell licensed merchandise in their stores, it hurts our local economy. It hurts Hoosiers," said Frank Straub, Indianapolis Director of Public Safety.

Law enforcement officials are also targeting fake Super Bowl tickets. They expect to see counterfeit tickets popping up on the streets of Indianapolis as game day approaches.

The NFL says if you are going to buy tickets on the street, buyer beware. Unsuspecting fans who buy fake or stolen tickets will be turned away at the gate.If you're looking for a ticket, officials recommend you go through a recognized ticket dealer.