Red tea, known internationally as black tea, is the most widely consumed tea type in the world. Its full fermentation (oxidation) level of 80 %–90 % produces the characteristic dark liquor, robust flavor, and lingering sweetness that tea enthusiasts prize. Because of its popularity and relatively high market value, red tea has become a frequent target for fraudulent practices that compromise quality, safety, and consumer trust. This article exposes the most common counterfeiting tactics used in the red tea industry, explains how they are carried