How to Tell if Coach Purse Is a Fake

An example of a fake designer handbag

Coach is a line of luxury handbags that run from about $200 to over $1,000. So Coach is a target for the designer handbag counterfeit business. Don't be fooled by look-alikes. The detail of a true Coach purse will clue you in to the fakes.

Instructions

1. Check the serial number. It should start with "No" and contain four numbers after the dash in the middle. Also, check that the number matches with the style of purse that you purchased.

2. Verify the pattern. There's a lot to be told by the lay out of the Cs on a Coach purse. Two Cs should be next to each other in doubles, not in a single row or randomly printed in no order at all. The Cs should also be lined up perfectly to the center.

3. Inspect the handbag quality. Fraying of the stitching, uneven patterns, poor quality or fake leather are signs of a fake.

4. Look for inconsistencies. Coach uses YKK zippers. Check for the YKK marks on all of the bag's zippers; you may need a magnifying glass. Usually a leather tag is attached to the main zipper with the Coach logo on it. The letters should be raised, not imprinted.

5. Ask for help. If all else fails and you still have reason to question the legitimacy of a purse, contact Coach at 800-444-3611.

References

• Bag Bliss: How to Spot a Fake Coach Handbag
• Spot Fake Handbags: Spotting Phony Coach Purses
• Coach: Counterfeit Education

Resources

• Coach: Counterfeit Education