U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials on Saturday announced the largest seizure ever of counterfeit Gibson electric guitars.
Working with U.S. Homeland Security and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, agents recently seized more than 3,000 counterfeit guitars at the Port of Los Angeles, the nation’s largest seaport complex.
The guitars would be worth more than $18 million if they were genuine, customs officials said.
All three agencies will be on hand with Gibson officials Tuesday morning in Carson, just a few miles north of the Port of Los Angeles, to detail the seizure and — in advance of the holiday shopping season — to caution consumers about fraudulent products sold on e-commerce platforms and other sources.
Here is a quick primer video on distinguishing a fake Gibson — often made in China and referred to as “Chibsons” — from the genuine article.
