Agents for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement worked with major sports leagues to seize more than 900 counterfeit hats, T-shirts and jerseys. Fourteen vendors were investigated.
A statement released Wednesday by the customs agency says most items purported to be official National Hockey League apparel.
Authorities say the investigation, called "Operation Penalty Box," began several weeks ago as the Philadelphia Flyers began their run in the NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs.
"Our concern is to make sure the folks going out and buying products are getting the real thing," said John Kelleghan of the I.C.E.
At Modell's in South Philadelphia customers said they'd be able to spot a fake from a mile away.
"What you have to look for is the hologram from the NHL," said Pauline Scola of South Philadelphia.
Authorities say the best way to avoid getting duped is to shop at legit sporting goods stores.
"Modell's, Dick's or any sporting store, you go in there and you know you're getting legitimate items," Kelleghan said.
Agents also seized fake merchandise bearing trademarks of Major League Baseball, the National Football League and the National Basketball Association.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
