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Bogus designer handbags, sunglasses and watches have always beenbig business. But what are the latest items to become hotblack-market commodities? Think consumable supplies (printcartridges, and copier toner and developer). The Imaging SuppliesCoalition (www.isc-inc.org), atrade association of imaging-supply manufacturers, estimates thecounterfeit market for these products has reached a rather shocking$1 billion per year.
Xerox Corp., for one, is taking an aggressive approach tothwarting crooks. To help consumers identify counterfeit supplies,Xerox's Web site (www.xerox.com/supplies) listshigh-risk products. And the Imaging Supplies Coalition's"When in doubt, check it out" program invites consumersto send in suspect products to be checked for authenticity.
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