College basketball fans are preparing to descend on Kansas City for the Big 12 tournament. Unfortunately, counterfeiters selling phony team merchandise are about to do the same.
Some Big 12 universities will have undercover police on patrol, trying to catch suspected crooks violating team trademarks.
Dirk Liebert is the district manager at Rally House across the street from the Sprint Center at 14th Street and Grand in Kansas City, Missouri. He said fans should look for the hologram label (that sticker can be seen on the photo above) and then check the quality of the fabric and stitching.
Carrie Bachmeier purchased a cheap knock-off t-shirt and regretted it.
"It was good for one wash and then that was it," said Bachmeier. Now Carrie and her husband bit the bullet and pay for more expensive licensed team gear and they're happier.
Some Big 12 officials said they are wanting to reduce counterfeit t-shirt purchases because a portion of sales from the more expensive licensed gear goes back to the school's and helps fund scholarships.
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Cynthia Newsome can be reached at Cynthia.Newsome@kshb.com.
