15+ Ways to Spot a Fake Product

1. Rolex watches

Genuine Rolex watches are designed to be water-resistant. A true Rolex will typically withstand exposure to water without leaking. If the watch starts to fog up or shows signs of moisture after being submerged, it may indicate a fake or a watch that has damaged seals.

2. The Chanel Classic flap bag

• Quilted Pattern: Real items should feature a subtle quilted pattern, rather than a puffy mess.
• Flap Alignment: Verify that the flap lines up perfectly with the bottom layer. Any misalignment may indicate a counterfeit product.

3. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% peeling solution

• Authentic Items: They typically have a tart scent.
• Counterfeit Products: These may emit a sweet and soapy fragrance, which is often a sign of inferior materials.

4. Nike t-shirts

© gcafotografia / Shutterstock.com
Logo Proportions: Authentic Nike logos have precise proportions; counterfeit items often distort these proportions.

• Labels:
  • Look for misspellings on the labels inside the product.
  • Genuine Nike items typically feature multiple labels, while fakes may have only one or poorly formatted labels.

5. The Air Jordan 11 Retro Cherry

© 810Jaylen / Reddit

• Look at the stitching and cut; fakes are sloppier.

6. Levi’s

• Genuine ones feature an arched design on the back pockets, and their stitching is orange. Be cautious of a red tag that only displays an “R” as this indicates a counterfeit.

7. Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil

• Verify the color; it should align with the brand’s standard yellow.

8. Hermès handbags

• Examine the inside print for elegant, unchopped letters. Authentic stitching is flawless, in contrast to the thicker, less refined stitching found on counterfeit items.

9. Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

© PMaggieKC / Reddit

• The genuine item should have no distinct scent and a slimy texture.

10. AirPods

• Check for spelling errors on the packaging; for example, “AirPods” may be miscapitalized on counterfeit products.
• Authentic packaging will have accurate spelling and proper capitalization.

11. Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

• Inspect the labels for errors or misalignments; authentic items have precise alignment.

12. Guess watches

• Be cautious of uneven colors, cracks, and unpleasant odors; authentic straps are of high quality.

13. Dior x Air Jordan 1

© cedaz / Reddit, © Dancelifeaway / Reddit

• Inconsistencies in the logo and thicker text are common indicators of fakes.
• Genuine stitching on the midsole is typically thicker and more refined.

14. Pokémon Pearl Version

15. iPhone

When buying an iPhone, it’s important to evaluate the screen quality. A genuine iPhone features a vibrant and high-quality display, while a counterfeit may present a washed-out look with dull colors.

• Authentic iPhones offer vibrant displays, whereas fake models may appear washed out.

Many major companies urge their customers to pay close attention to the additional items that should accompany the primary product purchased. For technology items, make sure to verify that the earphones, chargers, and instruction manuals are included in the packaging. When it comes to clothing and accessories, don’t forget to check for warranty cards and certificates of authenticity.

16. Toms espadrilles

• If the insoles are removable, the item is likely fake.
• Examine the logo balance and stitching; genuine products usually have precise details, while fakes often appear off.
• Look at the glue on the sides; poor quality or excess glue can be a red flag for counterfeit items.

Bonus: Download a special app for spotting fakes