How Authenticity Can Be Faked—And How to Avoid Being Caught Out

The rise of the superfakes. It’s no longer just misspelled logos and cheap materials—modern counterfeiters have become shockingly sophisticated. Superfakes are replicas so convincing they often pass basic checks, with accurate embossing, stitching, and even custom-printed receipts.

Fake It ‘Til They Sell It

Some common tactics used to fake authenticity:

• Fake receipts and certificates – Often mimicked from real stores.

• Replica dust bags and boxes – With logos, fonts, and even materials that look correct at first glance.

• Stolen or cloned serial numbers – Making the bag appear valid when checked casually.

• Photoshopped proof-of-purchase – Frequently seen in resale listings.

Pro tip: Just because the listing looks legit doesn’t mean it is. You can use the Genuine AI Scanner to check or contact us for a mailing package and we can do the checks for you.

How to Avoid Getting Scammed

Buy From Trusted Sources

Stick to platforms that guarantee authenticity and offer buyer protection, like:

• Vestiaire Collective

• The RealReal

• Fashionphile

Look for third-party authentication or in-house experts.

Learn the Tells

Even the best fakes often get something wrong. Here’s what to inspect:

• Font weight and spacing on logos and tags

• Stitch count per inch—luxury brands have tight, even stitching

• Hardware feel and sound—zippers should feel smooth, not gritty

• Interior lining and tag placement—often skipped or approximated in fakes

Final Thoughts: Trust, But Verify

If a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is. When in doubt, consult a designer expert (like Author Louis 😉) or pay for professional authentication before committing.