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With sales and production of counterfeit and fake Chanel Cambon bags on the rise, it's important you know what to look for to ensure you are purchasing an authentic Chanel handbag. Many people who claim a bag is authentic, are making false claims or are uninformed, so it is important to know what to look for.

Ask the seller for his receipt for the Chanel Cambon bag and review it. Brand new authentic Chanel Cambon handbags are only sold through Chanel Boutique stores and Neiman Marcus, so the original purchase receipt would have to have come from either of those stores.

Inspect the quality of the leather. The Chanel Cambon is made out of high-quality calfskin, not lambskin.

Identify where the bag is made from the tag inside the bag. The Chanel Cambon bag is made in Italy, not France. Chanel does manufacture items in France but not the Cambon bag. You can conclude if the tag states it is made in France that it is a fake.

Research the specific style of Chanel Cambon bag you are purchasing and thoroughly inspect the bag. The Chanel Cambon handbag comes in many styles: tote, ligne, bowling bag, clutch pochette, reporter bag and clutch. Each of these different styles has unique characteristics and come in different colors leather colors with different lining colors. Acquaint yourself with the correct color combinations and characteristics of an authentic Chanel Cambon handbag in the style you are interested in purchasing.

Inspect the shopping bag or dust bag, if those are provided by the seller. Look for black shoping and dust bags with the word "C H A N E L" written across the front. Many fake bags come with a white see-through dust bag that says "Chanel France" or "Chanel Italy" across the front. This is a give-away that the bag is not legitimate. Wallets and small leather goods do not come with dust bags.

Pay attention to the serial number and the serial number card. Chanel Cambon handbags come with a holographic serial sticker placed onto the tag sewn inside of the handbag and a serial number card that matches the serial number inside the bag.

Inspect the serial number. As of 2010, the most commonly used counterfeit serial numbers on Chanel Cambon bags are: 7244764, 8947749, 9316391, 9395451, 9395455, 9675223, 9777617, 9889754, 9892039, 10218184, 10380486, 10501946, 10995820, 11062948 and 10803549. Steer clear If the purse you are looking at has any of these serial numbers.

Examine the serial number card: You should be looking at a black card with gold trim and lettering. It is not laminated. The authentic serial number card has been the same for the past 25 years and has not changed. Get acquainted with what it looks and feels likes if you have an old one or know someone who does, .

Make sure the inside hologram sticker matches the number on the authenticity card.

Do not purchase the handbag if when inspecting the hologram sticker number you notice part or all of the hologram sticker has been removed. The handbag may be authentic, but it could have also been stolen. In such a case part of the serial number is often removed from the bag. The stickers do not just peel or fall off over time, you physically have to rip them off with a deal of force to remove a portion of them.

Meet the seller at a Chanel boutique store if possible and ask the boutique manager to authenticate the item.

Keep in mind that Chanel does not authenticate items in writing. They will only verbally tell you whether they feel the items if authentic or fake. Chanel never offers or gives written proof. Therefore, if someone claims to have a letter of authenticity from Chanel, it is fake.

Tip

Check the reputation of where you are purchasing the bag. If the seller is somewhere such as eBay, check his feedback. If it's a store, check their Better Business Bureau rating.

See if any of your credit cards offer any buyer protection before you purchase the handbag. Determine whether, If you purchase the handbag and it turns out to be fake, you can dispute the charge. Try to use a card that offers this service.

Warning

Chanel does not discount their items or sell in wholesale prices. Chanel items generally retain most of their value or even increase due to people wanting vintage Chanel items. You have to ask yourself why an item is priced too cheaply,. If it sounds too good to be true or real, it probably is.