Hundreds of fake Super Bowl, World Series rings seized in Cincinnati

CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Nearly 350 counterfeit championship rings, including Super Bowl and World Series rings, were seized in April by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Cincinnati.

The officers in Cincinnati were inspecting a shipment from Asia when CBP said the counterfeit championship rings were found.

In total, CBP says 345 rings representing 18 different teams were seized.

The rings were made to look like championship rings of the New York Yankees, Pittsburg Steelers, New England Patriots, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, Pittsburgh Penguins, and New Jersey Devils, according to CBP.

The value of the rings, if they were real, would have been more than $1.3 million, per CBP.

“Our frontline officers at The Port of Cincinnati work tirelessly to protect consumers from illicit shipments,” said LaFonda Sutton-Burke, Director Field Operations-Chicago. “Profits from shipments like this one are often funneled into criminal organizations, and in return fund their illegal activities.”

CBP urges consumers to take these steps to protect themselves and their families from counterfeit goods:

• Purchase goods directly from the trademark holder or from authorized retailers.
• When shopping online, read seller reviews, check for a working U.S. phone number, and address that can be used to contact the seller.
• Review CBP’s E-Commerce Counterfeit Awareness Guide for Consumers.

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