How to spot a fake
Think that bling online is a steal? It might be a scam. See our tips to avoid getting taken.
The deals are almost too tempting to pass up: “authentic” Coach bags or Tiffany jewelry for a lot less than you’d pay in a
store. Well, odds are they’re fakes, no matter how real they might look. The fakes these days are so convincing that it can
be tough to tell at a glance the difference between a counterfeit and the real thing even when you place them side by side.
Here’s another twist: Thieves are now pricing counterfeit items at retail levels, hoping you’ll be fooled. And more counterfeit
booty is trading hands online than ever, says Steve Woda, founder of BuySafe, which screens online merchants and helps ensure
that you get what you pay for when you shop on its certified sites. Here’s how to avoid getting ripped off if you’re hoping
to snag a good deal on real designer goodies.
Ask for extra photos. If the seller has the item in hand, he should be able to send more photos. If not, think twice about dealing with that vendor.
Watch for gotcha words. Some sellers toss around brand names such as Chanel or Gucci. They may also use words like “authentic” or “genuine.” But buried in the copy may be phrases like “inspired by…” which indicate that the item is a replica.
Pay with plastic. And if you use PayPal, link it to a credit card, not your checking account. That way, if the item’s a fake, you’ll have a chance at getting your money back. With credit cards, you might be able to get the charge reversed if you can prove that you tried to resolve the problem with the seller first.
Don’t trust deep discounts. It’s unlikely that you’ll find bargain prices on high-end designer items. A lawsuit filed by Tiffany & Co. in 2004 alleges, among other things, that 95 percent of Tiffany-trademarked jewelry the company bought on eBay was fake. The only way to guarantee that you’re getting the real thing is to buy from an authorized seller. See the brand’s site for info.
Look for a phone number. And call to make sure it works. Also, look for a street address on the Web site. Another good sign is the BBB OnLine Reliability seal, which means that the merchant has agreed to meet certain standards. Also worthwhile is the BuySafe seal, which certifies that the site is reliable and the transaction is guaranteed up to $25,000. (Go to www.buysafe.com for more details.) You might also want to check vendor reviews on shopping sites and search the company’s name and the word “complaints” on Google.
5 ways to shop smarter
Save big with this month’s easy tips
Get paid to shop online. Go to FatWallet.com and you’ll find rebates on Web purchases from hundreds of sites, ranging from 50 percent at Match.com to 1 percent at eBay.
Buy airline tickets on Wednesday mornings. That’s when carriers try to fill unsold seats for the following 10 days by cutting prices.
Look for deals on computers, outdoor furniture, and swimwear. They’re all likely to be on sale mid- to late summer. One more bargain: 2007 cars. As the 2008 models start to arrive, dealers will be eager to clear out old inventory.
Cut your odds of an EBay rip-off. According to a survey of 2,500 Consumer Reports subscribers, the best way to avoid getting scammed is to check the seller’s percentage of positive feedback. Look for at least 99 percent. You can also now check ratings on specific factors, such as a vendor’s responsiveness.
Avoid buying unsafe products. When we shopped online recently, we found car seats, strollers, and other children’s products that were recalled for possible safety defects. To avoid wasting your money and putting your family at risk, check out www.recalls.gov before you click Buy.
Ask for extra photos. If the seller has the item in hand, he should be able to send more photos. If not, think twice about dealing with that vendor.
Watch for gotcha words. Some sellers toss around brand names such as Chanel or Gucci. They may also use words like “authentic” or “genuine.” But buried in the copy may be phrases like “inspired by…” which indicate that the item is a replica.
Pay with plastic. And if you use PayPal, link it to a credit card, not your checking account. That way, if the item’s a fake, you’ll have a chance at getting your money back. With credit cards, you might be able to get the charge reversed if you can prove that you tried to resolve the problem with the seller first.
Don’t trust deep discounts. It’s unlikely that you’ll find bargain prices on high-end designer items. A lawsuit filed by Tiffany & Co. in 2004 alleges, among other things, that 95 percent of Tiffany-trademarked jewelry the company bought on eBay was fake. The only way to guarantee that you’re getting the real thing is to buy from an authorized seller. See the brand’s site for info.
Look for a phone number. And call to make sure it works. Also, look for a street address on the Web site. Another good sign is the BBB OnLine Reliability seal, which means that the merchant has agreed to meet certain standards. Also worthwhile is the BuySafe seal, which certifies that the site is reliable and the transaction is guaranteed up to $25,000. (Go to www.buysafe.com for more details.) You might also want to check vendor reviews on shopping sites and search the company’s name and the word “complaints” on Google.
5 ways to shop smarter
Save big with this month’s easy tips
Get paid to shop online. Go to FatWallet.com and you’ll find rebates on Web purchases from hundreds of sites, ranging from 50 percent at Match.com to 1 percent at eBay.
Buy airline tickets on Wednesday mornings. That’s when carriers try to fill unsold seats for the following 10 days by cutting prices.
Look for deals on computers, outdoor furniture, and swimwear. They’re all likely to be on sale mid- to late summer. One more bargain: 2007 cars. As the 2008 models start to arrive, dealers will be eager to clear out old inventory.
Cut your odds of an EBay rip-off. According to a survey of 2,500 Consumer Reports subscribers, the best way to avoid getting scammed is to check the seller’s percentage of positive feedback. Look for at least 99 percent. You can also now check ratings on specific factors, such as a vendor’s responsiveness.
Avoid buying unsafe products. When we shopped online recently, we found car seats, strollers, and other children’s products that were recalled for possible safety defects. To avoid wasting your money and putting your family at risk, check out www.recalls.gov before you click Buy.
| Click any of the links below for a selection of articles from the August/September 2007 issue of ShopSmart;) Editor's Letter Greetings from ShopSmart Editor-in-Chief Lisa Lee Freeman Your worst shopping mistakes You bought that? Tell us about it--or better yet, send us a picture! The best beauty sites Where to find great deals on cosmetics, perfumes and more. 11 ways to slash your grocery bill Finding cheaper stores, fake-outs to avoid and other shopping tactics. What's cooking online Need a recipe? Turn on the computer instead of cracking open a cookbook. A day in the life of a mystery shopper Where to find great deals on cosmetics, perfumes and more. Sunscreen dos and don'ts Get it right for maximum protection from UV rays. Can't find ShopSmart in your local bookstore? Order it online or call our toll-free number to get your copy now. |
