The market for counterfeit luxury items is wide and deep, selling everything from jewelry and perfume to handbags and sunglasses. For bargain hunters looking to buy name brand items at discount prices online, Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers advice on avoiding online rip-off schemes.
According to a report by the Department of Homeland Security, the total domestic value of merchandise seized during 2011 was $78.3 million, an amount that would have had a value of $1.11 billion, had the items been the brand name merchandise. The category of seized consumer safety and critical technology goods rose in value by 41 percent compared to 2010.
Online classified sites such as Craigslist or eBay are hot spots for counterfeit luxury fraud items, and both offer “buyer beware” warnings. However, venders are now setting up their own websites to fool frugal “fashionistas.”
“In a tight economy, consumers are always looking to save money,” said Matthew Fehling, BBB CEO/President. “Too often, what looks to be a ‘great deal’ is really a knock-off in disguise.”
BBB offers the following tips and advice for consumers looking to buy online deals on designer goods and avoid schemes:
· Always deal with reputable businesses. The number one way to avoid getting ripped off when buying luxury goods is to deal with reputable businesses. When in doubt, shoppers can contact the manufacturer and verify which vendors are authorized sellers. Consumers should also check out the business with BBB at www.bbb.org/search before making a purchasing decision.
· If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. One of the biggest red flags for knock-off merchandise is an unrealistic price. Extremely low prices are tempting but not to be believed. Paying $100 for a $1000 purse could result in the consumer receiving a poorly constructed knock-off item.
· Read between the lines. Some websites or online classified ads will go overboard in their description of the item in order to gain the buyer’s trust. Overuse of “genuine,” “real” or “authentic” is a bad sign. Buyers also need to keep an eye out for sneaky phrases like “inspired by.”
· Check the merchandise. Considering that the name is a large part of the motivation for buying a luxury brand, many manufacturers spend considerable time and energy on crafting the physical label. Counterfeiters aren’t usually as meticulous. Shoppers should look for any misspelled words and brand names, poorly sewn logos and labels, etc. Some luxury goods carry an “authenticity label” with a hologram or other security measure.
· Know the brand. Different luxury brands, such as purses, have specific hardware consumers can rely on to identify a genuine piece. Zippers, screws, clasps and stitching are usually very specific for the brand and the manufacturer often has details on their website explaining what to look for and how to spot a knock-off. Craftsmanship is king for most luxury brands. If the sunglasses snap in two in the first week, or if the stitching and seams are ragged and don’t match up on a purse, the items are possibly a counterfeit.
Consumers who have purchased counterfeit luxury goods should contact BBB and file complaints online at www.bbb.org/complain. Consumers can also contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.cpsc.gov and file a complaint online.
For more consumer tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org/news. To sign up to receive our BBB Scam Alerts, visit BBB Scam Source at www.bbb.org/scam.
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BBB is an unbiased organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. Incorporated locally in 1938, today your BBB serves communities in Central, Northern and Western Arizona, supported by over 9,400 BBB Accredited Businesses. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Reviews® and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust.