Counterfeiters trying to cash in on Jets craze

When the Winnipeg Jets unveiled their new logo two weeks ago, they expected to encounter copy cats.

They didn't expect it to happen so quickly.

Counterfeit jerseys have leaked onto the market nearly a month before True North Sports and Entertainment plans to unveil the new uniforms for their prized franchise.

Club officials, and retailers selling officially licensed gear, are concerned about losing sales to the counterfeiters.

"Obviously, it's going to be a popular jersey, and popular product," said Gerald Haasbeek, the independent owner of Royal Sports, to the Winnipeg Sun. "So yeah, we're worried."

CBCSports.ca found fraudulent jerseys littered around the web. One imitator is even offering to swap a pair of jerseys for a couple of Toronto Maple Leafs tickets.

The Jets official merchandise store located in the MTS Centre grossed nearly $200,000 in its first weekend of operation. It sold out almost the entire store.

Scott Brown, communications director for the Jets, says the team will be active in handling the situation and educating consumers in cooperation with the independent retailers.

"We have been very careful to warn the consumers about dealing with people on the secondary market," said Brown, to the Winnipeg Free Press. "Whether it's in tickets, merchandise, anything to do with buying something."