Super-fakes fool even sales associates now. But most scam listings betray themselves in 30 seconds if you check the right five things before you pay.
Price + pressure check
A current-season icon at 60% off with a countdown timer is the classic trap. Compare against the brand's own site and two authorized retailers — real discounts cluster, fakes undercut absurdly.
Seller forensics
Domain age under a year, no physical address, Gmail-only contact, and reviews that are all 5 stars posted within weeks — walk away. On marketplaces, demand authenticity guarantees and check the seller's sold history, not just ratings.
Photo tells
Stock photos only (no real item shots), blurred logos, and "representative image" disclaimers hide flaws. Ask for a photo of the date code, heat stamp, and hardware engraving — legit sellers comply in a day; scammers stall or vanish.
Pay so you can recover
Credit card or platform checkout with buyer protection only — never wire, crypto, or gift cards. Save every screenshot until the return window closes. If it arrives wrong, third-party authentication ($30–50) turns suspicion into a refund case.
Pro tip
Stitching is the fastest tell on bags: authentic houses run 8–10 even stitches per inch, perfectly straight. Wobble means walk away.
