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Real vs Fake: How to Authenticate The Row N S Park Tote Updated June 2024
Authorities at the airports are hunting for intellectual property infringement of luxury goods that people wear or carry. As long as fake bags are unwittingly sold to unwitting consumers, authentication standards won’t improve. That puts a question mark over the business model of resale companies and threatens the continued development of The RealReal’s business, its market value and the entire resale industry. Products sold by The RealReal need more scrutiny by knowledgeable people in order for the company and the entire resale market to have the credibility it needs to develop. First, it’s very hard to find experts who have enough knowledge to authenticate a wide range of products.

Further east on Canal, there are better jewelry shops that sell 14K and 18K gold at prices that would put St. Thomas to shame. The area is bordered by Little Italy to the North and Chinatown to the South. Between December 2020 and February 2021, Wiltshire Trading Standards received several complaints that Ms Krueanarong had sold counterfeit handbags. Officers provided advice to the defendant, who claimed that she had sold her own personal items. In short, there are a lot of limiting factors given the vague wordage that could have California quite unwittingly banning backpacks and others like it.

You’re doing just fine without Coco Chanel – you don’t need a fake handbag in order to remind yourself of that. There are a variety of reasons why counterfeit items play such a big part in our economy. In recent years, countries such as China, Russia, and even India began producing higher wage-earners thanks to the advancement of higher education as well as industrialization. With higher wages, people began purchasing more luxury items across the globe, making them more common. However, due to a keen eye for quality and owning both genuine luxury goods and fakes, I was never able to sport these knockoffs in public and feel authentic.

Dad often chaperoned us, eager to join, but he usually rode the escalator to the men’s section while we examined purses. He was surprised that our fascination had lasted beyond our vacation. On Lunar New Year, we dressed up and visited our Buddhist temple outside Dallas. Dad wore tight jeans, brown loafers, and a button-down shirt that had armani emblazoned on his left breast. They insisted my brother Brandon and I match each other with Lacoste polos, the crocodile insignias on display. The department declined to provide specifics when “Impact x Nightline” asked for evidence linking counterfeits to terrorism in the United States.

I never actually paid anything for the bag in the first place because my first payment wasn’t due until a month after I’d purchased it. I didn’t really think twice or do any research into buying off of Tradesy before I checked them out. I was browsing one day and saw the Chloé Nile on sale for around $1000 PLUS I could get $100 off with a promotion they had going on at the time. I recently came across this gorgeous Hourglass Small Handbag with crocodile embossed in the color orange. And the quality is on par with what you would find in a high-end designer store, but at a much lower cost. Photos released by the US Attorney’s Office showed units filled to the brim with thousands of counterfeit high-end handbags of every color and design.

While these fakes were better than the ones that one bumps into on a random US big city alleyway, they were all very obvious fakes in my book. However, it was interesting to handle and inspect so many fakes in one day. Each one may be made to order with different customer-chosen hides, colour, and hardware fixtures. There are also other individual options, such as diamond encrusting. The Birkin bag (or simply Birkin) is a tote bag introduced in 1984 by French luxury goods maker Hermès.

The glass cases contained counterfeits of designer wares seized by the customs officials. Those bags were not recyclable in Minnesota and rendered unrecyclable all materials put inside of them, even items that would otherwise be recyclable, according to the lawsuit. Reynolds will give up all profits they made in selling their deceptively marketed "recycling" bags, according to Ellison. Reynolds also agreed to establish and enforce anti-greenwashing training and to review its own marketing claims. If they decide to sell semi-transparent blue bags in Minnesota after that time, the packaging and marketing may not be labeled "recycling bags." They must be conspicuously marked, "these bags are not recyclable."

Also note that the little identifying name brand tag is often crooked. At first I thought it would be kind of a fun accessory, but now that I realize how obvious it is that its a fake, I have never used it. In one of the stalls, there are a handful of non-Thai foreigners, all male, bartering over a large sum of counterfeit handbags. Considering the prices that I've seen these bags sell for online, there's a good chance that these guys were con-artists.

After the AirTag, set of AirPods, Find My network accessory, or compatible Bluetooth location-tracking device is disabled, the owner can no longer get updates on its current location. You will also no longer receive any unwanted tracking alerts for this item. If you need to see a list of all AirTag, Find My Network accessories, and compatible Bluetooth location-tracking devices about which you have been notified, launch the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad. Scroll to the bottom and tap Items Detected With You.

They combine patterns and styles in ways that were never made by the original designer. For example, Louis Vuitton has never put out a multi-color backpack, but multi-color Louis Vuitton backpacks can be obtained through counterfeiters. This makes hybrid handbags more of a social statement/experiment, than a straight knockoff. Louis Vuitton denies that they made a multi-color backpack as a market test and all colored Louis Vuitton backpacks should be considered fake and destroyed.

So, when you buy a fake designer bag, you’re indirectly contributing to these unethical practices. The thrill of the bargain just doesn’t outweigh the cost of compromised values. Even some celebrities have been sporting the superfake merchandise. "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City'' star Jen Shah made headlines when federal agents seized dozens of counterfeit handbags found in her possession, after her arrest in 2021 for a telemarketing fraud scheme.

I thought the Chloé bag was a little more trendy and not as practical so I went with the Celiné. And I have liked it for a year or two now so I don’t think it’s a phase. This would be a perfect fall outfit for a casual night out or even a romantic date! The orange handbag would add a pop of color and personality to the outfit.

The handles on the fake Park tote were way stiffer than the handles of the real ones. Assuming it’s a newish bag, you can push down the center of the handles (when they’re standing up) of the real bag, and the body of the bag shouldn’t move. But on the fake one, since the handles are so stiff, when you push the center, it kind of lifts the edge of the bag from the table. Hermès uses the highest quality materials, and the bags are made by master craftspeople who have been trained for years.

If the piece you are considering displays even one of the following inaccuracies, keep shopping. Planning ahead and packing properly can facilitate the screening process and ease your travel experience at the airport. Know what you can pack in your carry-on and checked baggage before arriving at the airport by reviewing the lists below.

Sales of all counterfeit goods have tripled since 2013 to an estimated $7 trillion annually and the counterfeiters' top target is fashion goods, according to research by the OECD. In 2020, the fashion industry lost an estimated $76 billion to fake products. Checking the interior leather against the exterior leather, or against a bag of the same age, will give this away if it is not already obvious. In several fakes LV bags we have seen, the leather appears to have a pink tint rather than the beautiful honey colour you would expect of a real Louis Vuitton bag. A 2022 police investigation found Naples street market sellers paid the mafia up to €200 weekly to operate their stands, or were forced to buy their merchandise.

Ivan J. Arvelo, the special agent-in-charge of Homeland Security Investigations, New York, used the arrest to illustrate the potential harm that comes from buying luxury brand knockoffs. Counterfeits are as old as time, as are brands’ efforts to stamp them out. Even Louis Vuitton’s famous monogram was originally designed in 1896 to prevent copycats ripping off its luggage designs. A Business of Fashion survey conducted in October 2022 found that 37 per cent of Gen Z respondents in the US said they were willing to wear a counterfeit item, while 42 per cent were opposed. Some even boast about their purchases in “unboxing” videos on TikTok, where the hashtag #DHgate has more than 4.2 billion views. The Loewe puzzle bag James bought from DHgate (left), compared to the $5500 original.

While knockoff purses are also most often made with lower-quality materials than the original name-brand bags, in most instances, they are not intended to be exact copies of the original brand. Instead, they are considered a more affordable look-alike than the original designer handbags. "Nearly every young person has a fake," another Manchester influencer, Benny Greenstein, told me. "Some of the fakes are really good." Many are sold directly over social media platforms via links on the videos flaunting them. What you get depends on what you're willing to pay, said Sophie.

If the illicit manufacturer had already made the bag, then production can start immediately. If not, a pattern maker is employed to create the pattern. To top off the analysis, De La Calle notices that the stamp on the inside of the bag is very close to the seam, while it is a few centimeters lower on the other bag they had in the store. De La Calle determines that the woman’s bag was a fake. Oakley Forum is the largest and most reliable platform for Oakley news, updates and any information you are looking for about Oakley sunglasses and other products.

If you stumble upon a bag you haven’t researched in depth before, take a photo at the thrift store and use Google Lens app on your phone to quickly search by image. You can do a quick scan of authentic bags online before doing a deep dive. In the Birkin and Kelly, there's a zippered compartment. The pull is stamped Hermès and there's an 'H' at the other end.

The airline must notify the Pilot-in-command of the battery location in the cabin. This doesn't justify buying a super fake says intellectual property specialist Natalie Harre, principal at AJ Park Law Limited. Your fake review may prompt people to purchase worthless stuff. Vidyuth Srinivasan, founder of authentication company Entrupy. The logo is one of the most obvious signs of a fake Chanel bag. The Chanel logo should be clear, precise, and well-defined.

And it is in Naples that the counterfeits trade has prospered to a unique extent, making it the undisputed European capital of fakes. NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban said in a statement, “The trafficking of counterfeit goods is anything but a victimless crime because it harms legitimate businesses, governments, and consumers." The quickest and easiest way to make sure that you are buying from an official stockist of Fjällräven is by using their Verify Reseller tool. Simply go to Fjällräven's site here and click on the Verify Reseller option. Copy and paste the website address that you are looking to purchase from and if they are an authorised retailer, a green tick will appear. E-Commerce sales have contributed to large volumes of low-value, small packages being imported into the United States.

They can be ordered in less time than a takeaway dinner, if users know the terms to search (brand names are often obscured to minimise the risk of legal action by the luxury houses). Counterfeit handbags are typically made with inferior materials and sold on the black market for a fraction of brand-name bags. It is difficult to distinguish between a counterfeit and an original designer purse.

Not every woman out there can afford to spend $1,500 and upwards for a tote bag or any bag. And if they want the look of a luxury bag, then purchasing a replica bag is a personal choice and nobody should be judged. And before you judge me, keep in mind that there are valid reasons for my purchase. First of fake bags online wanted to see just how a “replica” bag is constructed.

Manchester police found rooms full of boxes packed with fake designer goods when they raided a warehouse in Cheetham Hill. The counterfeiters had been importing blank clothing items to avoid detection, detective chief inspector Jen Kelly said at the scene. "So if they're intercepted, they're just blank caps," she said.

The quality of designer bags has also improved which means that consumers can be more easily duped into believing that a fake bag is real and paying top dollar. For lawyers, technology is also improving the quality of DIY legal services so much so that consumers have been able to successfully sue Equifax or its recent data breach . Manufacturers of counterfeit handbags are getting more and more precise in copying legitimate pieces down to the smallest detail, making handbag authentication more challenging.

I mean, those designer brands overprice their items and don’t really need the money, right? Unfortunately, there are much larger consequences to buying fake items. Besides the fact that they are illegal, buying counterfeit items also contribute to unethical work conditions, sweat shops, child labor, and terrorism. It highlights a factory in Asia where children were assembling fake designer handbags on the floor because the owner had broken their legs so they couldn’t run away. Tech-savvy scammers have figured out ways to bring these mid-grade fakes to the online marketplaces. You can find ads on social media, offering top designer brand handbags for unbelievable prices like $500 for a Chanel 2.55 Flap Bag.

I found the fakes in the Caribbean to be way more expensive than those available on Canal Street in New York. Buyer beware because they knock off every fake label including Kate Spade, Coach, Gucci, LV, etc. In NY you can even get fake Tiffany jewelry, fake movado's etc, etc. Some of the bags are so close to the original it's scarey. And don't fall for the "It's real but really discounted routine" You will probably be getting the knock off.

Arguably, the same goes for goods that violate the intellectual property rights of the designer. Most punters wouldn't see it as their moral obligation to look after the brands of the big fashion houses. We're not talking about alcohol, tobacco or medications - buying such items clearly poses a health risk.

Wang discovered an online ecosystem of replica handbags that paralleled luxury brands, making counterfeit goods easily accessible. On Reddit forums such as “r/Wagoonladies,” interested buyers can find detailed purchase guides, thorough customer reviews, and contact lists for sellers primarily based in China. Ultimately, the analogy between luxury handbags and lawyers breaks down because no matter how wealthy or status-conscious a person may be, a designer handbag simply isn’t a necessity whereas a lawyer still is. Lawyers aren’t necessary all of the time, and there are plenty of matters that can be capably handled by machines.

In August and September 2021, UK Border Force sent warning letters to Krueanarong after they intercepted packages addressed to her arriving from Thailand, which contained more counterfeit handbags. The phenomenon even inspired the 2022 novel Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen. He says not only is the manufacturing of fakes often linked to criminal networks and slave labour, but they can also be made from dangerous materials, including toxic chemicals. “People don’t realise when these items rub against your skin, they’re immediately detrimental to you,” Srinivasan says. Remember that authentic Chanel bags are made to last a lifetime, and a fake bag will only disappoint. By purchasing through a reputable auction house, you can ensure you have peace of mind knowing that the bag you're buying is authentic.

Entrupy is a solution that many brands in handbags and accessories are using. Consumers can use the app to scan the handbag they’re about to purchase to see if it’s “Authentic” or “Unidentified”. It’s an unfortunate truth that many consumers are turning a blind eye to this dark and criminal industry.

When in doubt, consider consulting professional authentication services or brand experts to verify the authenticity of your purchase. Dallas-based leather expert and social media personality, Volkan Yilmaz, who calls himself Tanner Leatherstein, has a popular YouTube series dedicated to demystifying leather in luxury handbags. He deconstructs designer purses and comes up with his own cost estimates. Despite the increased prevalence of counterfeit luxury goods, authentic luxury brands continue to be solid investments. Resale data from Rebag indicates that popular styles from brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Hermes are being resold second-hand for prices higher than their original purchase price. Luxury brands are keeping their goods exclusive and their prices high.

I passed on the offer because I don’t usually do collaborations for trade. BUT the email was legit and my contact was professional and easy to talk to. Tradesy is based out of Santa Monica, California so it definitely didn’t seem like a scammy foreign site or business.

I’m referring to a bag called the Toile de Jouy Dior Book Tote. The picture at the top of this article is a real version of the bag, and the Christian Dior video below shows some of the craftsmanship that goes into the making of the Toile de Jouy bag. The employees I met were open about having copywriters doing the authenticating, and I saw it myself. They do it by dividing products into what they consider to be “high-risk” or “low-risk” categories.

Most fakes can't replicate the zipper pull and/or 'H' to the level of an authentic bag. Each model is a specific size — so if you measure the bag and it isn't those specific measurements, it's definitely a fake. The hardware on the left strap of a Birkin and Kelly is engraved with HERMES_PARIS. The font must be consistent with the font used by Hermès. Often the 'A' can't be properly duplicated or the hyphen is wrong, or the accent over the second 'e' in Hermès is off. Under a loupe, the engraving may look chiseled and not as smooth as a genuine Hermès bag.

This slowed the increasingly steady flow of counterfeits coming in. Many times, when we let the seller know that the item is fake, we find that that person was scammed in the first place, and had no idea. So often, that innocent victim doesn’t want to pay the fee and considers the fake a “donation to science” as these end up in our “graveyard” and become a valuable source of knowledge for our authentication trainees.

Although these bags are predominantly made of canvas, they all feature Vachetta leather, which when purchased new will be extremely light and all exposed areas will darken over time. Fake Louis Vuitton bags will not be made of the same quality as genuine ones – and potentially not leather at all. A tell-tale sign of an imitation piece is that all the exposed leather does not darken at the same rate or does not darken at all. Once in the Campania region surrounding Naples, final finishing takes place in workshops using cheap illegal labour. Labels are frequently shipped separately and sewn on last, making it more difficult for customs to spot fakes.

He dumped all the merchandise from our shopping bags onto the concrete as he searched. He hustled back to Canal Street while we picked up our belongings. An exception will be made for any necessary medical items, but all such items are subject to inspection prior to entry into Allegiant Stadium. To learn more about the latest news regarding the bag policy, visit nfl.com/allclear. "The sale of illicit cigarettes and tobacco poses a serious health risk to consumers and also hinders law abiding businesses." "Officers seized 881 illegal vapes, 44,180 illicit cigarettes, 126 nicotine pouches and 8.65kg of tobacco [plus] 103 packets of shisha," a police spokesperson said.

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The reality is that your unwary transaction funds atrocious ventures and groups that have alarming agendas. The following are actual examples of criminal acts that occur as a result of counterfeiting. This is what those dollars fund when you buy counterfeit accessories. Because of this, I no longer feel comfortable buying secondhand online.

The consequences are often less severe than for other crimes. In one case Biechele has followed closely, a Manchester-based counterfeiter caught holding stock with a street value of £2.5 million ($4.8 million) was fined just £11,500 ($22,300). "And we looked closer, what was his annual return? It's like £6.9 million ($13 million) annual return," she said.

Turkish law firms hired by the luxury behemoths are trying to clamp down on the counterfeiters, but that task is easier said than done. Many of our guests come in costume and feel that the whole experience is more fun when dressed to play. The estimated value of items seized at Frank’s home would have been worth $11,675,885, had they been legitimate products, according to PCSO. Is the same way, all you have to do is go downtown to "The Alley" and you can get any and all knock offs.

Between her return trips to the aforementioned retailer and Neiman Marcus, the stores endured a $400,000 loss due to fake merchandise. Customers on the former preschool teacher’s Instagram page were also sold false items where she raked in thousands of dollars in profits. According to her attorney, Nina Ginsberg, the 41-year-old’s addiction to this practice stemmed from her abusive upbringing in Thailand. While real Birkin’s are so expensive, the knockoff equivalents can be found for around $50.

But those creating fake handbags are getting more advanced with their techniques and duping even savvy shoppers who are looking for a bargain. The IOC’s anti-counterfeiting programme includes advanced authentication and traceability technological measures, allowing buyers to easily verify the authenticity of Olympic and Paralympic-branded merchandise. It notes that these measures are designed to be “consumer-friendly, ensuring that every purchase supports athletes and upholds the high standards of the Olympic movement”. "This may be because they feel that genuine brands charge unfair prices. Those people who see themselves as being shrewd shoppers willing and able to beat the system may also be more likely to buy counterfeits.

If it is not enough that you are personally supporting illegal activities, consider that you are adding to the proliferation of terrorism around the world. If you are caught by the Italian police buying the fakes from the street vendors, the fines can be hefty. We've seen signage in Pisa regarding the trafficing of replica goods referring to Italian legislation - not a local bylaw. So it's illegal anywhere in Italy to sell or buy them.

The FAA has limits on preservative solution in checked baggage. No more than 30 ml of free liquid solution in each inner packaging and no more than one liter in the entire outer package. For complete passenger instructions contact your airline. Advance arrangements and extra check-in time may be necessary.

Sign up to be the first to know when tickets go on sale for new cities, plus receive exclusive deals on tickets and merchandise. What better way to experience The FRIENDS™ Experience than with Friends, Co-Workers, or Family? Our space is perfect for corporate events, weddings, product launches, team outings, and fundraisers. We offer turnkey event planning, production, and audiovisual services to ensure your event is an unforgettable experience, starting at a minimum of $5,000. The FRIENDS™ Experience Store is open to ticketed and non-ticketed guests during our daily operational hours. Please keep in mind we have strict capacity limits and will admit guests to the store as capacity allows.

For more information on this initiative, dates we are accepting counterfeits, the implications of counterfeits, and how we know what’s real, please visit therealreal.com. Strategically timed to New York’s high season for tourism and counterfeit-buying, the installation will live on Canal Street through early September. And if you made money from the scheme, you may have pay back those profits as damages. Plus any legal fees they incurred by having to take you to court. Angry customers who realize they were duped may decide to take legal action against you. Under consumer protection laws, they can sue for compensation in civil court.

Nonetheless, there are still a few signs such as those mentioned that may help you figure out if a bag is fake or not. While you're still looking for the right bag, it's advisable to purchase only from trusted stores and resellers. We've received luxury bag authentication tips from experts. They often mention that one of the biggest signs of a counterfeit handbag is its questionable font.

She's not being honest about having to purchase the original or a new certificate because the Entrupy certificate wasn't even one she purchased in the first place. It was an Entrupy certificate that Goodwill had purchased. Once tracking shows as delivered to the seller, let the seller know you want the refund and if she doesn't issue it, call ebay and asked them to issue the refund. It's best not to rely on a fake/copy bag when travelling. Charlie Sheen, the Two and a Half Men star, once claimed that Donald Trump apparently lied to him about a wedding gift, which, in turn, made him question the former president's character. The now-58-year-old appeared on The Graham Norton Show in 2016 where he lifted curtains on the 'fake' diamonds he once received from the Republican front-runner.

That’s why dupes seemed like a viable alternative that my conscience (and ego) could live with. My other fabulous fake purchase was a couple of weeks ago. These are smaller than the Whispies and more manageable. They stayed put all day and I have to say, were a lot easier to apply than the other ones I purchased. I have no idea what a genuine Goyard dust cover looks like so this is no big deal to me. In fact, I’ll most likely use the dust cover to store dirty clothing while traveling. These black market operations funnel money into the illicit world of the illegal narcotics, firearms, and ammunition trade.

Newer bags (my Dix, Neuf Mini, Micro, and Tonca all have these) are more minimalist, and don’t have the designed logo. Both designs of dustbags are made of the same heavyweight material. If the brand stamp is made up of less than two or more than three lines of information, the bag is fake. Sometimes, though, MADE IN ITALY is placed on a separate tag in the bag’s interior pocket.

Some even have authentication technology — QR codes and chips — that have yet to be implemented in the real thing. A kind of counterfeit doyenne, she shills reps out of her Tribeca penthouse and uptown, where the extra room in her classic six serves as a showroom. “All the moms buy from her,” one Upper West Side rep buyer noted, while another described a party at which guests were encouraged to compare the doyenne’s real Birkins with the fake ones she was selling. “I have seen a lot of influencers at them and a few reality stars,” says the Hamptons-based RepLady. Criminal gangs were bringing shipping containers full of counterfeit products into the city through the ports. "They've got some really good, strong networks clearly to be able to do this," he said.

Luggage and suitcases are accepted at all three bag check locations. Bags remaining after bag check closes will be returned to lost and found. After three years of being in business with Lombia + Co. my Wayuu bag shop, I feel confident enough to share my knowledge about the fake Wayuu bags that are supposedly being produced. Since that post was from 8 months ago and the listing in question at that time was removed, are you saying that the seller relisted it more recently and you purchased from a new listing? Yes the bag is absolutely fake and as you may have noticed in the post you found, although the seller has been known to list fakes, that particular listing also included an Entrupy COA. "There's a growing demand for pre-loved luxury bags, which is why we're putting a lot more effort into it because we do want to be a highly trusted source for buying pre-loved," says Bartlett.

The leather should be fitted tight with no creases, bumps, or bubbles. Even over time and with use, the lining in a genuine Chanel will not pull away or loosen from the sides. Added by Karl Lagerfeld in 1984, the ‘CC’ logo lock is the most recognizable feature on a Chanel Flap Bag. The right ‘C’ should always overlap the left ‘C’ at the top, and the left ‘C’ should always overlap the right ‘C’ at the bottom.

Anyone violating this law would be subject to three years in prison along with a penalty of €300,000. The customs authorities in France are also trained to recognize fake products. Counterfeits impact not only individuals but also the planet. Because of the clandestine nature of their manufacturing, no EPA guidelines or local laws are being followed, resulting in significant air and water pollution and affecting the health of humans, animals, and our environment. This year, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) released a study that shed light on the risks posed by counterfeit goods flooding the market and their potential hazards for consumers. The study involved rigorous laboratory testing of counterfeit products for hazardous chemicals and heavy metals.

To me, a flimsy, low-quality hang tag often screams a bag is fake. The leather often doesn't match the bag and is very thin. Usually they are looking for comercial quantities of the fake stuff and most confiscations are those who are recieving said item via post. Customs probably won't look twice at a bag you are using. In saying that customs can be fickle and sometimes you just happen to be there on the wrong day. General rule when it comes to travelling, if you fear losing it, don't take it.

It can be uncomfortable to tell a wife or girlfriend that the bag their significant other gave them wasn't what they thought. It's sad to see someone's genuine reaction when they realize they've been lied to or misled. One of the priciest bags we've ever sold was a Himalaya Birkin with diamonds for $525,000. We used to limit credit card purchases to $50,000 and offered bank wire options, but we changed it to $100,000. Within three days, someone bought a crocodile Birkin for $97,570. The profits are often laundered through legitimate-looking businesses, from restaurants to luxury car dealerships, and declared as income.

So you can buy them cheap from a wholesaler and sell them for a nice profit, right? As one of my friends said “In the Grand Bazaar, the items you see on display are not the good ones. You have to talk to the seller in the shop and they will have someone take you to another place. Usually, the sketchier the place, the better the quality of the items”.

According to the survey respondents, the ones that should be primarily responsible for taking fake items off online channels are platforms (48%) and brands (24%). In recent years, online platforms have been taking action toward protecting their buyers. Reviews are still the most trusted way to evaluate a seller, according to our respondents. These are largely found on marketplaces, where the utopian concept of a community sharing their opinions on a given product is sometimes distorted into something much more vulgar. Many of these reviews are as inauthentic as the product that is being reviewed. These fakes are marketed as the real thing, the reviews say it looks great and, more often than not, use photos directly sourced from the brand’s own website.

After seeing many of my favorite bloggers talk about them, I realized that “dupes,” or items that are strikingly similar to a higher-priced item, have become well-received within the fashion community during recent years. I joined the hype, sharing a variety of dupes of popular designer handbags and shoes to help everyone save money while looking fashion-forward. At FASHIONPHILE, our number one value is, “we believe in authenticity.” This is not just a cute slogan we have up on the wall of our kitchen (although you will find it there). We have an absolute zero tolerance for the selling of fakes. The counterfeit industry is estimated to be a trillion-dollar underground market, fueling the behavior of both organized and disorganized criminals worldwide. Counterfeits are directly linked to human trafficking, child labor, prostitution, firearms and narcotics trade, extremist groups, terrorism, and more.

We’ve come a long way since counterfeit handbags were hunted down from aspiring Carrie Bradshaw-like fashionistas on Canal Street, New York. It has now mushroomed onto online platforms to a point of no return. Kiwi shoppers buying luxury fakes with the assistance of these chat groups include Auckland mum Rachel (not her real name). She bought a super fake Miu Miu bag directly from a Chinese seller she was connected to via WhatsApp through Repladies, paying $170 as opposed to $3000 for the real thing.

Technology has also helped, and most experts agree fake bags have never been better. So the general shape of the authentic tote bag is more of a smooth “U” shape, while the fake one had some pronounced corners on the side. This is mostly because the fake bag must have been stored folded, and the stiff fake leather tends to hold the creases more. But I wouldn’t say this is a hard and fast rule since some fake ones may be used consistently enough that the leather “corners” relax a bit. Or an authentic one might be stored folded and flattened for a long time, leaving creases in the leather (but who in the right mind would do that to an authentic Park tote lol?). For me, the feel of the leather was the first tell that the bag was a fake.

The big tree in the image has much less stitching on the fake one (left) than on the real one (right). Learn more about FASHIONPHILE’s accredited authentication process here. But I still had that nagging feeling that something wasn’t right. So I did some research on how to spot a designer fraud.

There are a lot of fakes in the market, especially if the brands are high-end. I started to check out second hand bags online at secondhand reseller sites. Honestly, I don’t know a lot about designer bags in general OR which secondhand sites are the best (this was my first mistake). So I just went with what was off the top of my head and sites that I’d heard of before. These included The Real Real, Tradesy, and Fashionphile.

When you spot a designer bag you love at a much lower price than normal, it may feel too good to be true—and that's because it usually is. Fake handbags, also known as counterfeits, are far too common both online and in real life, and while they may look like an appealing deal, it's best to steer clear. In addition to disrespect for the original designer's work, fake handbags often have a lower-quality construction, so it might not look like it does in the picture and/or could fall apart quickly. You also don’t really know if harmful chemicals were used in the production process, putting both yourself and the bag's maker at risk.

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Nobody said it was a counterfeit but the fact that she haggled the price down from 50 Euro to 15 didn't need any further explanation. Named for French-British actress Jane Birkin, the bags have long waiting lists for customers ready to pay €40,000 (US$45,000) or more for versions made with crocodile skin. Ten people went on trial last week, including seven former Hermès employees. Where heritage Turkish crafts once flourished under the Ottoman-era marketplace’s painted ceilings, the elegant carpet store run by Hasim Gureli is now surrounded by shops selling designer dupes. We were in the Caribbean in May and found the fake LP purses at a lot of stores.

The rise of apps facilitating direct communication and easier payment methods are not just benefitting the general public, but also those involved in the counterfeit business. Direct communication with the seller may give a wronged sense of trust to the buyer, giving higher chances for counterfeit outlaws to strike a sale. Counterfeiters have been proven to use groups on social media to recruit fake reviewers for their counterfeit handbags and unfortunately, consumers can’t always tell whether they are real reviews or not. The more volume of reviews a product has, the higher the ranking it gets, which seems to be a winning strategy for the counterfeit handbag business. On marketplaces, they make sure to be listed next to the original brands’ handbags, making it hard for consumers to decipher which one is which. The only visible difference to consumers with little knowledge in counterfeits is in the pricing.

I’ve seen a lot of replica bags pop up, and hope the following authenticity guide can help you avoid any heartache. It’s clear that the magnitude of the counterfeit handbag industry means that it is virtually impossible for brands to eradicate their counterfeiters alone. Designer handbag brands have also taken action to protect their products. Chanel now places unique hologram stickers with serial numbers in the lining of their handbags, making it easier for consumers and customs officials to tell if the handbags are authentic.

The production and sale of fake designer bags represent a clear violation of intellectual property rights. Designer brands invest significant time, effort, and resources into their products, and counterfeiting undermines their hard work and innovation. Reporting a counterfeit seller can be done quite easily via Facebook, but the sheer volume of sellers selling counterfeit handbags on marketplaces makes it a gargantuan task.

For the smaller ones which is what my daughter wanted. 🙂 But, there were also a fair number of fakes, including accessories, makeup, shoes, clothing and so much more. True, they'll have a hard time telling it the bags are fake or real. Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors. These items are required to be placed in checked bags with or without blades. Federal authorities shared an inventory of her items from the home raid after she agreed to forfeit $6 million and pay restitution of $9 million.
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