How to Avoid Buying Counterfeit Products

Counterfeit products have exploded in online shopping in recent years. Buying a watch on a street corner used to be a sure sign that you were getting a "knock-off," but these days a counterfeit product may be passed off as the real thing at retail websites. To protect yourself from these counterfeits, learn how to recognize and avoid suspicious products when shopping online.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Buy only from established websites. Look for the BBB Online Reliability seal which indicates that the site has passed the Better Business Bureau's standards for online selling. Also look for a website security code to ensure that the retailer has been checked out by an outside vetting company and that you are on a secure site, which usually starts with an "https://."

2. Request proof of authenticity, and the ability to return the product. A designer handbag should come with the original labels, in the original packaging if possible. Be sure that you can return the merchandise for a full refund if you suspect it is counterfeit.

3. Know the market price. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. You may be able to save 10 to 20 percent on products online, but buying a product for a fraction of the current retails costs may indicate that it is counterfeit.

4. Inspect your merchandise. When purchasing new or used brand name merchandise, be sure that the manufacturer's label is intact and legible. Counterfeit products are often labeled with the same or similar name as a famous maker, but the quality of the merchandise is sub par. Look for irregular stitching, faded or miscolored labels, expired expiration dates or defects.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy prescriptions only from websites that require and confirm a doctor's prescription. Counterfeit drugs may be cheap but deadly.