In the past, the Commission has brought law enforcement actions against individuals and companies that misrepresented facts about artists, artisans and artwork, including their ethnic origins. Ask if your item comes with an Indian Arts and Crafts Board certification tag. Get a receipt that includes all the vital information about the value of your purchase, including any verbal promises. For example, if the salesperson told you that the piece of jewelry you're buying is sterling silver and natural turquoise and was handmade by an American Indian artisan, insist that this information appear on your receipt. Before buying American Indian arts and crafts at powwows, annual fairs, juried competitions, and other events, check the event requirements for information about the authenticity of the products being offered for sale.
Many events list their requirements in newspaper ads, promotional flyers and printed programs.
If the event organizers make no statement about the authenticity of American Indian arts and crafts for sale, get written verification about the authenticity for any item you buy that is sold as authentic. The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel , a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies worldwide. The Indian Arts and Crafts Board receives and refers valid complaints about violations of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 to the FBI for investigation and to the Department of Justice for legal action.