The purpose of fake products is to trick consumers into thinking they are genuine.Counterfeiters make their product look like the real thing.It is possible to have a watch or purse.By looking for signs of rushed workmanship and assessing the validity of the business you are buying, you can identify a counterfeit.To avoid items that seem suspicious, be sure to inspect the packaging, text, and labels.
Step 1: Shop from legit businesses.
It is possible to avoid the risk of counterfeit goods by purchasing from established retailers.Even if they display manufacturer logos on their storefront or website, temporary, unknown, or suspicious businesses are more likely to sell counterfeits.While you are guaranteed to find real Apple products at the Apple store, you may not find the genuine article at a temporary mall kiosk.If you don't know if a business is legit, look for it online.Most businesses have a website.If other people are saying the products and goods are fake, you can be certain they are.Don't do a potentially shady business when in doubt.
Step 2: Don't be fooled by deals that are too good to be true.
Not all fakes sell at lower prices than their real counterparts, but an unbelievable bargain is one of the telltale signs of a fake product.How can someone sell a brand new tool for $50?It's possible that the product is a fake.
Step 3: A suspected counterfeit should be compared to a genuine item.
Many of the same brands and products are purchased over and over again.You should pay attention to the look and design of products that you already own.You will have something to compare it to if you spot a counterfeit.Look for any deviations in the workmanship, copy or text on the item.If you're purchasing a brand that is new to you or a product that you don't frequently buy, compare it to the same product at other stores.
Step 4: Carefully look at the packaging.
Businesses that areReputable take great care in packaging their products.It's a good idea to look for flimsy packaging, packaging with poor printing, or packages that appear to have been opened.Take a moment to read the package.There are mistakes on the packaging for counterfeit goods.
Step 5: The quality of the work should be checked.
Look for products that seem flimsy or poorly made.You may be able to spot a counterfeit simply based on its workmanship, because quality control is often absent in counterfeiting operations.Even if it isn't a counterfeit, you should still avoid purchasing a poorly-made product.There are items that are made with flimsy plastic instead of metal.Instead of paint, there are stickers or decals.Poor-quality stitching on clothing goods.
Step 6: The packaging needs to match the product inside.
Make sure that the item advertised on the packaging is what's inside the box or bag.A fake drill can be put in a box for a saw.Unfortunately, errors are not always obvious.Check model numbers on the packaging against the equipment's model number, and look for tags on clothing.
Step 7: Correct supplementary materials should be included.
Everything should be in the product packaging.Supplementary materials, such as an owner's manual or a product registration card, are often not included in counterfeit products.Sometimes they don't include all the parts that should be in the product.If you're buying electronics, make sure the packaging includes a power cord, assembly and warranty paperwork, and other relevant small items.Many desktop computers come with a mouse, and televisions should have a remote control.
Step 8: Treat very plain boxes with suspicion.
A box with few images or text blocks is likely fake.Most product labels and boxes have a lot of information printed on them, from bar codes and trademark to recycling symbols.Counterfeiters don't want to spend a lot of time reproducing every detail, so they'll probably leave some of it off.Look for contact information from the manufacturer.Consumers can call a company if they have a phone number or an address.
Step 9: There is a "Made in China" tag on high-end products.
China is a major source of counterfeit products.A "Made in China" sticker on an already suspicious product is a red flag.If no country of origin is listed on the packaging or the product itself, you should be suspicious.Counterfeit rings will sometimes remove a "Made in China" sticker from fake products, and producers of counterfeits will often leave off the country of origin designation.
Step 10: There is a safety certification label for electrical products.
Any product that could pose a safety risk will have at least one safety certification on its label.Some counterfeiters products may not have a safety certification label at all.The most common safety certification in the U.S. is the UL label.In Europe and Canada, the CSA mark is required on electrical products, and the abbreviation doesn't officially stand for anything.There are at least one of these marks on electrical products.A counterfeit certification mark can be used by low-quality products that don't claim to be brand-name.It is not always easy to spot fake marks.hologram marks are required for most products from China and for some products regardless of country of origin.There is a good chance that the product is fake if the certification mark is only on the packaging.