7 Sneaky Clues That Reveal Fake Products

These days, counterfeit products are becoming more widespread than ever. From fake smartphones with sleek designs to imitation bags made with genuine leather, telling the real from the fake can be incredibly difficult — sometimes, they look almost identical. But if you look closely, small details can give them away. To help you avoid falling for a scam, we’ve gathered some simple tips to help you spot counterfeit items.

1. Check the texture on Nike shoes.

• Nike Air sneakers have a distinctive texture that counterfeit manufacturers find hard to replicate. This is due to differences in materials and manufacturing processes. Authentic Nike shoes feature a firmness in the leather that counterfeit versions lack.
• Additionally, it’s important to check the symmetry of the sneakers — any noticeable asymmetry could be a sign that the product is fake.

2. Check the wrapping of your cosmetics and perfume.

Contreifet cosmetics are no joke! That’s because we use these products on our bodies so we’d like to know that everything is tested and certified safe. Here are some tips that can help you to avoid purchasing fakes:

1. Cellophane usually should be tightly wrapped around the boxes.
2. Fake products often have lower-quality plastic or metal casings.
3. The name of the shade should be printed on a sticker as opposed to the box.
4. Fine products should fit into the box perfectly.

3. Check the tags on clothes.

Always check the tags. They can say a lot about whether a brand is fake or not.

• Fake manufacturers usually use lower-quality factory equipment, so the tags and labels may be stitched badly.
• Pay attention to details. The size tag will be a different color and of poor quality compared to the original piece, and the letters on it may have different spacing.

Oftentimes, there’s a serial number on the size tag for more expensive brands.

4. Check to see what the logo looks like on a gadget.

Fake gadgets are not just of poor quality, but they can even be dangerous because they don’t go through the right testing or certification. But in case if you’re in a situation where you don’t know if you have a fake or an original, here are some tips.

• The logo will be printed wrong or will appear spotty. You can check the original logo on your phone and compare it to the gadget in question. Don’t rush, especially if this is an expensive purchase.
• It feels too light.
• It has a yellowish color instead of white.
• The plastic seems poorly made or put together.

5. Check the buttons.

If you want to buy a jacket, coat, or trench coat, take a look at the buttons inside and out. Fine brands will have good-quality plastic with the company’s name engraved. Counterfeits will use cheap, light plastic, and sometimes it’ll be unlabeled. The buttons should also be sewn on securely, and won’t be held on by just a couple of stitches.

6. Download a special app for spotting fakes.

If you decide to take your fraud search to the next level, you can upload a special app that recognizes fake clothes, shoes, and accessories. This way, when you’re buying stuff from different stores, it will help you to avoid scams and save money.

The app detects small details, like in the picture above. For example, “the peak” of the tongue is slightly elongated compared to the authentic pair.

7. Check the logos on Gucci handbags.

• Start by inspecting the two "G"s on the front of your bag. On an authentic Gucci, the serifs of the G’s will appear long, sleek, and refined — not thick or bulky. The rounded part of each G should form a perfect oval, not a pointed shape. If the logo looks blurry or poorly defined, it’s likely a fake.
• Next, examine the stitching carefully. A genuine Gucci bag will feature clean, even stitching throughout. If you notice uneven lines or thread colors that don’t match the bag, it’s a strong indication that the item is counterfeit.

Be sure to check out our other article, where we’ve shared even more hidden clues to help you spot authentic products.