Don't fall for counterfeit designer goods when shopping online
»Play Video
Online shopping can be a great way to snag a great deal. But not all Internet merchants are created equal, and low prices can blind you to counterfeits.
Americans love deals on designer items, and scammers know it.
Clothing, shoes and handbags are among the most popular items for counterfeiters, so do some homework before you buy.
"Before you go ahead and jump on that deal, check out a merchant - especially one you're unfamiliar with - ahead of time," said Mandy Walker of Consumer Reports. "Go online, put the merchants name in a search engine, and the words 'rip-off' and 'complaint' and see what other people that have dealt with them are saying."
So how do you avoid being scammed?
Look for security features like a seal or a sticker a real manufacturer will add that's hard to reproduce.
Some major labels will offer advice on avoiding counterfeits on their company websites.
Beware of low prices simply too good to be true.
And use a credit card for purchases, which can offer greater protection than a debit card in the event or fraud.
If you do get duped, don't try to resell the merchandise.
"Even if you tell somebody, 'This isn't a real-whatever handbag but it's still a great bag,' you're still liable. You could really get in trouble; you could really get prosecuted. So don't resell it," she said.
Demand your money back regardless of the return policy.
Counterfeits are not limited to clothing. There are now counterfeit car parts, drugs and even food products.
Americans love deals on designer items, and scammers know it.
Clothing, shoes and handbags are among the most popular items for counterfeiters, so do some homework before you buy.
"Before you go ahead and jump on that deal, check out a merchant - especially one you're unfamiliar with - ahead of time," said Mandy Walker of Consumer Reports. "Go online, put the merchants name in a search engine, and the words 'rip-off' and 'complaint' and see what other people that have dealt with them are saying."
So how do you avoid being scammed?
Look for security features like a seal or a sticker a real manufacturer will add that's hard to reproduce.
Some major labels will offer advice on avoiding counterfeits on their company websites.
Beware of low prices simply too good to be true.
And use a credit card for purchases, which can offer greater protection than a debit card in the event or fraud.
If you do get duped, don't try to resell the merchandise.
"Even if you tell somebody, 'This isn't a real-whatever handbag but it's still a great bag,' you're still liable. You could really get in trouble; you could really get prosecuted. So don't resell it," she said.
Demand your money back regardless of the return policy.
Counterfeits are not limited to clothing. There are now counterfeit car parts, drugs and even food products.
