Europeans: Beware of Counterfeit Motor Oil

Ford service technician (Credit: Ford)

It turns out Russians are counterfeiting more than just Ray-Ban sunglasses and Under Armour clothes. Consumers across the world need to be on the lookout for counterfeit oil, thanks to some enterprising young Russians who wanted to make quick cash.

According to multiple reports, the authorities discovered the oil counterfeiting ring operating out of different “abandoned” warehouses in Russia and certain former Eastern Bloc countries like Belarus. They would use slave labor by taking advantage of undocumented immigrants, keeping the overhead low.

Somehow the group was able to get its hands on plastic canisters that looked just like the real thing. Using sophisticated printing equipment, they created labels that would pass the counterfeit oil as being officially from Castrol, Shell, Mobil and many other brands. They were able to counterfeit some OEM oil, which reportedly included big brands like Ford, Nissan, GM, VW and BMW, among others. Even the caps and cases were made to mimic the real thing.

This is where you wonder if the stuff you have sitting in your garage is the real deal.

While this operation had been going on for years, it seems that it was limited only to Russia and the Eastern Bloc. Before you feel relieved, this actually exposes a problem the industry is battling all around the world. Other oil counterfeiters, as well as parts counterfeiters, have set up shop wherever they can fly under the radar.

The big takeaway is to not buy your oil, other auto fluids or parts through unauthorized retailers. You might think you’re saving some of your hard-earned cash, but the reality is you’re getting an inferior product. Not only are you supporting a criminal organization that pays workers next to nothing, you’re risking serious damage to your vehicle.

In other words, don’t be a cheapskate and get your stuff from stores or dealers that are legit.