Spotting fake goods Fake clothes and accessories

You might find fake designer clothes at markets, car boot sales, and online

You're most likely to be offered fake designer clothes and accessories away from the high street at markets, car boot sales, from street sellers and online.

The location where designer goods are being sold should be enough to set alarm bells ringing. Prices are another good indicator, with fake designer clothes sellers frequently selling goods for less than half the price of genuine item.

The dangers of fake designer clothes and accessories

Often consumers know they're wearing fake clothes and accessories but don't care. However, a large number or consumers are genuinely duped, thinking they've found a bargain designer item which would usually be out of their price range.

Fake designer clothes and accessories are inferior in quality. They will not last as long, may damage more easily and won't be made from the same quality materials as the item they're imitating.

Money from the sale of fake designer clothes and accessories may also be used to fund organised crime.

How to spot fake designer clothes and accessories

The biggest difference between fake and genuine designer clothes and accessories is the quality of the materials used to make the item. Before shopping for designer clothes, try to check out the real thing in a shop or on the manufacturer's website. Pick up the item, feel the fabric or material and examine labels to get an idea of how the real thing should feel and weigh.

Beware of outrageously low prices. All designer clothing fakes have low prices in comparison to genuine designer clothes. Browse other shops before buying so you can tell genuine discounts from clear counterfeit prices. 

The stitching on genuine designer clothes and accessories will always be superior to fakes. Cotton stitching should match the fabric, be tight and straight. In most instances you shouldn't be able to see stitching on genuine items and there should be fewer noticeable seams across the garment as a whole.

Misspelled labels and poor logos are an easily identifiable trait of all kinds of fake goods.

Research high-value goods using manufacturer websites before you buy. If you're shopping online, check the retailer is registered to sell the brand. 

Examine pictures, logos and labels so you are familiar with what the genuine article should look like.

Is there an authentication card? An authentication card usually has the manufacturer’s logo embossed on the front along with information about the product you purchased and sometimes includes a magnetic strip or bar code. Check manufacturers' websites to see how authentication cards should look as these are often copied by counterfeiters.

Try to buy directly from the UK where possible. Even though there are fake designer clothing sellers in the UK, you're less likely to become a victim of fraudsters closer to home.