Fake NGK spark plugs out there??

[msavold]

Ok, I get fake sunglasses, clothing, etc., but why am I surprised that they'd fake sparkplugs??
Saw something on a Honda Pilot forum today and looked into it - apparently a common thing on Amazon... So much so that NGK has a '5 step guide' on how to spot the difference.
A 5-step-guide on how to distinguish fake spark plugs
Some reports on line source the plugs as from Amazon, eBay (yeah, that one I'd expect!), AliExpress (likewise), and a retail store (that's a surprise IMO). [Counterfeit Ngk Spark Plugs | Consumer Alert]
Good pictures here of real and fake: WARNING – Beware of updated fake ‘NGK Iridium IX’ Spark Plugs & How To Spot Them – August 2017
Two things: from the date it's been around for a while and I did a search and saw one or two references to it here but even though I may be the last guy in the loop (again??) thought I'd still post a separate thread for it.

 

[Betik]

I buy mine at the dealer; hopefully they know what they are getting

 

[Dwrat]

Yep,
Amazon is full of counterfeit items.
It's been in the news lately.

 

[Steve Risley]

I only purchase mine from Auto Zone, hopefully I can trust them...Thanks for sharing

 

[Beachbummer]

Orelly also has them in stock most times, and if not, they can order them. They are cheap too (sub $4)

$3.69 nearby

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/copper-core-4441/ignition---tune-up-16776/spark-plug-12874/b14eb31b13d7/ngk-copper-core-plug-number-6955-spark-plug/6955/6231438?q=NGK+cr9eb+&pos=0

 

[haknslash]

Yup it's happening a lot it seems.