Counterfeit Designer Goods Scam
In this scam, a seller lists counterfeit designer items as authentic at tempting prices, often with stock photos, and ships a fake, a lower-quality copy, or nothing at all.
Quick verdict
What this scam usually looks like
In this scam, a seller lists counterfeit designer items as authentic at tempting prices, often with stock photos, and ships a fake, a lower-quality copy, or nothing at all.
Example message pattern
This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.
Red flags to watch for
- A luxury item priced far below its usual market value
- Stock or copied photos instead of the actual item
- No proof of purchase, receipts, or authenticity details
- A 'no returns' policy and pressure to buy today
- A new or vague seller account with little history
What to do
- Compare the price to the item's normal market value and be wary of deep discounts
- Ask for original photos, receipts, and authenticity proof
- Pay with a method that offers buyer protection where possible
- Walk away if the seller pressures you or avoids questions
If you already clicked or replied
- If you received a counterfeit, open a dispute with the platform or your payment provider
- Keep the listing, messages, and photos as evidence
- Report the seller to the marketplace
- Leave an honest review to warn other buyers if the platform allows it
What not to do
- Do not assume a low price means a lucky deal on luxury goods
- Do not pay by methods with no buyer protection
- Do not ignore a missing or vague authenticity history
Similar scams
Knockoff Brand Store Scam
This scam runs a website posing as an official brand outlet or 'clearance' store. It sells counterfeit goods, or takes your payment for heavily discounted items and never ships anything genuine.
Fake Online Store Scam
This scam sets up a convincing but fake store with very low prices, takes payment, and delivers nothing, a counterfeit, or a cheap substitute.
Bait and Switch Listing Scam
This scam uses an attractive, underpriced listing as bait. Once you enquire, the seller says the item is gone and pressures you toward a different, inferior or overpriced item, or to pay a deposit on a 'similar' one.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if a designer item is genuine?
Is buying a known fake illegal?
The seller has photos with tags. Doesn't that prove it is real?
I received a fake. Can I get a refund?
Last reviewed: June 2026