What's That Fragrance You're Wearing? May Want To Make Sure It's Not Counterfeit

DETROIT (WWJ) - Many people are finishing up their last-minute holiday shopping, and Michigan State Police Lieutenant Mike Shaw wants you to be aware of counterfeit products while buying.

"Just be careful, if you are buying an item and the price is really too good to be true, it definitely is ,and there are some health risks involved if you happen to take that item home - your kids wear it and possibly some rashes and health issues that they would have to worry about," says Shaw.

He says some of the items - which come from overseas - are made of unknown materials, including cat urine: "A lot of this merchandise comes from overseas, China, the colognes and different materials -- nobody knows -- what is exactly in there and some of the reports we've gotten are some pretty harsh chemicals including cat urine," says Shaw.

Counterfeit items have made their way into the mainstream shopping experience.

To avoid getting ripped off by counterfeiters this holiday season shop main-stream stores, reputable websites and don't buy items from street sellers or seasonal store-fronts selling high-end products for low prices.

"It's not just the item itself; one of our undercover officers actually held a purse two days ago from the buy and actually got a rash on his hands," said Shaw. "So, I'm concerned about some health issues."

Often times, the seller isn't paying the sales tax either. This warning follows the raid at a Dearborn, Michigan store where boxes and boxes of counterfeit items were discovered for sale.

No arrests have been made at this time.