$1,000 to Turn in DVD Counterfeiters

Just think of all the real DVDs that money could buy.

The movie industry has put a bounty on DVD counterfeiters in downtown's Fashion District.

According to the Motion Picture Association of America, tipsters who rat out counterfeiters can earn up to $1,000:

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has teamed up with the Fashion District Business Improvement District to offer cash rewards up to $1,000 for information leading to the closure of locations in the Fashion District engaged in the illegal production of DVDs. Protecting this high-value content is crucial to the health of the film industry as well as the local economy, but of even greater importance, the production and distribution of these counterfeit goods oftentimes supports gang activity in the district.

Whistle-blowers should keep an eye out for movies that are "too new to be true" or still playing in theaters. Also, production quality and shoddy packaging can alert buyers to piracy.

So can price. If a deal is too good to be true, then it's probably counterfeit.

Informants can contact police at 1-877-527-3247 or the Fashion District's 24-hour hotline at 213-741-2661. All information will remain confidential, according to the MPAA.

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