SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) - If you're still on the hunt for the perfect holiday gift, be on the look-out for fake brand-named goods.
Popular bogus items like handbags and sneakers can be easy to identify, but anything can be copied. Consumer Reports says there are several ways to spot counterfeit items.
Know the vendor
Before you buy, research the seller.
If you buy from online retailers like Amazon.com or Walmart.com, click on the vendor's name to view the profile and investigate return policies.
Beware of deals
If a deal sounds too good to be true, it may be. Find the item's current retail price on the brand's website. Even a small discount can be a red flag.
Read reviews
Read customer reviews before buying. If you see wildly different reviews for the same product, it could mean poor quality.
Know your product
Familiarize yourself with the product and what it should look like. Inspect the package before opening when it arrives. Misspellings and subpar packaging could indicate something may be wrong.
Notify Third-Party sellers
Third-party sellers may not be aware an item is fake, so notify them right away.
If you're denied a refund and paid with a credit card, you can dispute the charge. You can also file a complaint with your state's consumer protection office or at StopFakes.gov.