542 counterfeit iPhones seized by Cincinnati CBP

US customs have seized a shipment of 542 counterfeit iPhones from Japan en route to an electronics store in Miami, Florida.

If genuine, the fakes – which appear to be copies of the iPhone 8 model that launched in 2017 – would be worth more than $143,000. The phones were analysed by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) specialists and deemed to be counterfeit.

Counterfeit electronics can be a serious health and safety hazard because of the increased probability they can malfunction and potentially catch fire. Electronic devices can also come with pre-installed malware, which can be used to steal information from users.

American consumers spend more than $100bn every year on intellectual property rights (IPR) infringing goods, falling victim to approximately 20 per cent of all counterfeits illegally sold worldwide, according to CBP.