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Old 05-16-2008, 07:07 PM   #1 (permalink)
DBackFan
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How to spot a FAKE (this is useful!)

How to Spot a Fake Anything
By N. Bhatta - AOL

Once you've caught the online shopping bug, it's easy to be enticed by extremely low prices for designer goods. It's safe to bet that a steal on an expensive product sold secondhand may very well be legit, but when brand-new designer products are discounted down to nearly nothing, the chances of the item being fake are high. Here are some tips to spot signs of a sham before spending your savings on counterfeit goods.

How to Spot a Fake Diamond
Can you guess which is the real diamond and which is the fake?


If you guessed the left one as the fake, then you guessed right! Because fakes are much cheaper, their settings are often sloppier and are done with cheaper materials. A bulky, poorly constructed setting in a piece of diamond jewelry is almost a sure sign that the stone isn't real. Real diamonds are almost completely colorless - if when looking at the stone it has elements of color (other than a yellowish or blue tinge), it probably is fake. Also, real diamonds aren't transparent – you can't read text when looking through an upside-down authentic stone. Diamonds are extremely tough and should never have any scratches or nicks. If there are visible marks on the stone, it's probably not a real diamond. However, without a jeweler's loupe and a trained eye, it's rather difficult to tell apart some fake diamonds from authentic ones, so if the idea of owning a fake doesn't bother you and the price is right, consider going for it!

Buy the real thing: Diamond Rings



How to Spot Fake Burberry
Authentic Burberry patterns always match up on the sides and on the bottom of your item. If you have a handbag where there is a different pattern on the sides of the purse, it's probably a fake, as each side of an authentic Burberry is identical to the other. Fakers usually "forget" or use inexpensive versions of the embossed leather or metal tag that authenticates Burberry products. All Burberry wallets will have "Burberry-London" embossed on the left side. Hardware will only ever be gold or silver-toned on an authentic Burberry, and the hardware will always be neatly embossed with the word "Burberry." Just like other name brands, look on the company's Web site and scrutinize the item you're interested in to check for flaws and signs of fraud.

How to Spot Fake Fragrances
Spot spoof scents by comparing a photograph of the genuine fragrance from the manufacturer's Web site to the bottle you're considering buying. Usually fake fragrances aren't very careful when detail matching, so look for differences in the bottle shape, the cap, the sprayer head, and the sprayer inner tube. If you have the opportunity to test the actual liquid, scrutinize the liquid for too much oil, which is a common complaint in counterfeit perfumes. Also look for a change in coloring. Perhaps a larger problem is the sale of authentic yet old fragrances. After a few years on the shelf, the essence of the perfume begins to deteriorate and reputable stores often sell these expired fragrances to discount stores for a bargain basement price. When shopping online, feel free to ask vendors if their stock is fresh.

Buy the real thing: Vera Wang 'Princess' -- Sean Jean 'Unforgiveable'

How to Spot Fake MAC Makeup
MAC's signature black packaging is quite matte, which separates it from the shinier fakes. The same matte, black coloring goes for MAC brushes – the real ones have handles with only a slight sheen, while fake brushes tend to have very shiny handles. MAC shadow quads have completely clear covers and also feature vertical grooves between the colors for easier pickup, which nearly all fakes omit. Also, there will never be an applicator included with an authentic MAC shadow.

Buy the real thing: Lipstick -- Eyeliner -- Face Powder

How to Spot a Fake COACH Bag
On authentic COACH bags, the pattern will never be crooked, nor will any stitching be sloppy. All larger COACH bags have a number stamped onto the inside, with each numeral leaving a slight depression. Fakes will either omit the serial number or will just paint numbers onto the leather without creating an indentation into the fabric. The signature "CC" design will NEVER be on both the inside and the outside of an authentic COACH product. If your COACH item doesn't have the microscopic letters "YKK," embossed into the zipper, it is counterfeit.

Another sure bet it's probably a fake is if its not purchased at one of the following locations: COACH stores, COACH factory stores, COACH catalogues, authorized department stores, authorized speciality stores and catalogues, limited duty free locations, on the brand's official site.





How to Spot a Fake Memory Card
If you're looking for a deal on a memory card, it's best to compare and contrast one you've purchased brand-new from a reputable place before looking at cheaper, potentially bogus cards. Fake memory cards usually are missing their serial number, or the number on the actual card doesn't match up to the number on the packaging. Also, fake memory cards are usually missing most of the grooves, notches, and insets around the edges of authentic cards. Holograms, as well as safety packaging, often are left out by counterfeiters when producing fake memory cards. Finally, to avoid lawsuits, counterfeiters usually misspell brand names and other pertinent information in the fine print, so check out every line before you buy.

Buy the real thing: Sandisk Cruzer Flash Drive -- PNY Attache Flash Drive




How to Spot a Fake Louis Vuitton

Many fakes can easily be figured out simply by checking to see if that particular style was ever made in the color it is available in. Often, counterfeiters choose to create their own patterns and color combinations, a quick Internet search will help you figure out what is and isn't fake. Next, before handing over hundreds of dollars, make sure that every single detail on the bag you're about to buy is also on the bag in actual department stores. Fakes often have extra feet, a different lining and other details that are off. If stitching and patterns are remotely off, chances are that it's a fake, as authentic Louis Vuitton handbags go through a rigorous quality check. Also, Louis Vuitton products will NEVER go on sale in a reputable department store -- it just doesn't happen, so buyer beware if a seller suggests that they are able to offer it at such a low price because they got it on sale.

You can trust it's an original if you purchase through exclusive Louis Vuitton boutiques or through eluxury's site.
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Old 05-16-2008, 10:04 PM   #2 (permalink)
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Very useful! Thanks.
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Old 05-16-2008, 10:07 PM   #3 (permalink)
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This is good info, thanks Tami Oprah had a show on a while back about spotting fake bags which was also interesting and had a lot of the info you have posted.
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Old 05-17-2008, 12:15 AM   #4 (permalink)
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Well, I guess my 1.95 Coach from Goodwill is a fake...no ykk on the zipper....I kinda figured. It's a pretty decent fake actually.
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Old 11-05-2009, 04:20 PM   #5 (permalink)
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Here is an article on the same topic .... slide show that allows you to vote on each item then tells you what to look for ....

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com...aspx?GT1=33009
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Old 11-05-2009, 05:23 PM   #6 (permalink)
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LOL I bought a REAL blue topaz David Yurman bangle bracelet at Goodwill for $40. They didnt know what it was but I did LOL. It sells for $795 at Neiman Marcus
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Old 11-05-2009, 06:01 PM   #7 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vee030473 View Post
LOL I bought a REAL blue topaz David Yurman bangle bracelet at Goodwill for $40. They didnt know what it was but I did LOL. It sells for $795 at Neiman Marcus
WOW, can I take you shopping with me?

I bought some China at Goodwill for 20 some dollars. A whole set. It is the same as I won before I got married but only won a 4 piece setting and in a different color. I wanted a whole set.
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Old 11-05-2009, 11:58 PM   #8 (permalink)
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thanks for the info tami
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