McGruff the Crime Dog fights fake fashions, drugs, entertainment
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Crime-fighting canine McGruff is looking to take a bite out of counterfeiting.
The talking cartoon dog, sporting his trademark trench coat, is part of a new anti-counterfeiting campaign from the National Crime Prevention Council and the Bureau of Justice Assistance that aims to put a face to the victims of counterfeit movies, fashions, medicine and other goods.
The campaign seeks to dispel any ideas that counterfeiting is a victimless crime. ‘It costs the U.S. economy tens of billions of dollars each year, deprives people of their livelihoods, encourages criminal activities by gangs and organized crime groups, and sometimes results in serious illness or injury,’ the campaign webpage explains.
One ad depicts a styishly dressed young woman -- toting fake designer purse, watch, bracelet, scarf and sunglasses -- and asks: ‘What do your fake fashions say about you?’
‘I’m a phony,’ the ad concludes.
Another ad shows a sad-looking woman holding film equipment. ‘That pirated movie you just bought ... cost someone her job. Pirated goods put jobs at risk.’
The ads appear to alternatively attempt to pluck at the heartstrings, inspire fear or rouse worries of public embarrassment. Its slogan: ‘Counterfeits hurt. You have the power to stop them.’
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-- Shan Li
