What to do if your textbook is counterfeit

Find out how to report a suspected counterfeit textbook to the publisher and what to do next.

• Segregate the books.

  If you believe you may have discovered a counterfeit textbook, do not destroy the book, sell the book, or return the shipment to the seller. Immediately segregate from inventory all copies of the suspected counterfeit title purchased from that seller.

• Inspect the entire shipment.

  If the suspected counterfeit textbook is part of a larger shipment containing additional titles, all additional textbooks included within that shipment should be inspected.

• Contact the publisher.

  Contact a representative for the publisher of the textbook. The publisher will want to review the suspected counterfeit textbook. Prior to surrendering a suspected counterfeit textbook to the publisher, provide the publisher with the work’s title, author, edition, ISBN, and print number. If possible, provide a scan or a photograph of the copyright page.

  Contact the Publisher

  Download EPEG Surrender Submission Form

• Wait for the publisher’s response.

  If the textbook is not determined to be counterfeit, it will be returned to you. If the textbook is deemed counterfeit, the book will not be returned. The publisher will discuss with you what is to be done with the remainder of the shipment. This may vary from case to case.

• Gather as much information as possible.

  Should the publisher determine that the book is counterfeit, the representative will likely contact you for additional information. You should be prepared to provide the following documents and/or information:

  • Contact information for the seller, including: name/company name, phone number, billing address, shipping address (if different), and email address;

  • The invoice(s) or purchase order(s) corresponding to the shipment(s) including the suspected counterfeit textbook(s);

  • The total inventory of all suspected counterfeit textbooks purchased from this seller; and

  • All communications with the seller regarding your purchase of the shipment containing the suspected counterfeit textbook.