Can you spot the fake? fairfaxcounty / Flickr

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

Even if you’re not in the market for designer bags or clothes, knowing how to spot counterfeit merchandise is a must to avoid getting duped. This is especially true since common targets include cosmetics, perfumes, computer software, jewelry, and more! The latest issue of ShopSmart lists tips to learn how to spot a fake and what to do if you’re sold inauthentic merchandize. I summarize them below.

Beware of too-good-to-be-true deals. Seems obvious, but many fall for the “bargain.” Finding products at steep discounts can be a sign that it’s a fake.

Become a counterfeit detective. Research online to see what the differences are between the real and fake product. Trust me, there are some dead giveaways for some of these things. Many designers have information on their websites about detecting and avoiding knock-offs, so start there.

Skip shopping online. There’s just no way to inspect products before they arrive and you have to rely on photos that may be phony. If you like the convenience of shopping online, it can be done, but it takes a few more steps.

Check out a sellers reputation. Unless, you are shopping on a trusted retailers website, check the seller’s reputation. A quick search for the seller’s name and words like “rip-off” or “complaints” can spare you a headache later on. If you’re shopping on sites like Amazon and eBay, consider the seller’s ratings.

Use an escrow. ShopSmart suggests using an escrow service like Escrow.com where your payment will he held until you can inspect the merchandise. Skip this step by using sites like eBay that promise to refund your money if you end up with counterfeit products.

Swipe your credit card. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to use plastic. Like this you’ll be able to dispute charges.

If you end up with a fake, here’s what to do:

Demand the real thing. By law you’re entitled to the real thing. The retailer’s return policy doesn’t apply.

Get your money back. If you can’t get the real thing, you’re legally entitled to a refund.

File a complaint. Let authorities know you were sold a fake by contacting your state consumer officials.

Have you ever been sold fake merchandise?

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Lab2112/flickr

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

While researching a post on saving money at the movies, I asked Bargain Babe’s Facebook friends for tips and some suggested sneaking in! The idea bothered me for days and got me thinking about five scenarios where I have to chose between taking the ethical high road and saving money.

Is it ethical to sneak into movies? What about buying counterfeit DVDs?

I’ve never snuck into a movie and what bothers me about this is the same thing as buying a counterfeit DVD, made when someone records the movie with a hand-held video camera from inside the movie theater. The person burns the recording onto DVDs, slaps on a cover sheet, and sells it on the street for a big profit. The problem is that the little guy gets cheated. Sure, the movie executives and stars make the big bucks, but the no-names are more likely to lose their jobs when movie studios don’t make the expected money. By doing both these things, theaters have to raise their cost and the buyer goes from being frugal to being cheap.

You’re walking down Canal Street in New York City or the Fashion District in downtown Los Angeles and you spot counterfeit brand name items at bargain prices. Ethical to buy?

No. The fake bags, shoes, and shades emblazoned with a designer’s initials or logo may be far less expensive, but you are still paying for the brand name not the item. I have no problem with a bag that looks similar to a brand name bag as long as you don’t try to pass it off as the name brand with fake logos and tags. My reason for not buying knock offs is that I’d be mortified if I got called out by the designer while walking down the street – although not very likely, it could happen. Also, why would I waste money on fake items? I rather work hard and get the real thing.

You’re heading to the movies and sneak in snacks to avoid paying for the expensive theater popcorn and soda. Ethical?

I’ve sneaked in snacks and the only reason I don’t think it’s unethical is because I am not stealing from the theater. If I didn’t bring in snacks, I still wouldn’t buy the expensive popcorn and soda. By snacks, I mean almonds or a protein bar and not a full meal.

You’re in an all-you-can-eat buffet and you wrap a leftover muffin in a napkin and stick it in your purse. Ethical?

I figure the food is headed for the trash so why not pack it up to enjoy later. Technically, I paid for it, but I draw the line at packing an entire meal for later.

You ask for a cup for water at a restaurant with a self-serve drink station and you fill it up with soda. Ethical?

This is one of my pet peeves. I can’t stand it when people do this, especially if they’re eating with me. I feel like any minute we are going to get called out. This is stealing and will force the restaurant to raise their prices so everyone loses.

With the WaMu deal, Pam said:

I agree that it is somewhat against my ethics to only sign up and not give the bank a fair shot at earning your trust and business–I wouldn’t sign up only for the bonus without honestly giving them a try.

Judy went a step farther:

Whether it followed WaMu’s guidelines or not, it is taking advantage of a situation – stealing.

Other readers said taking the $100 was fine, like Louise:

It is NOT stealing…WaMu offered to give him the money.

Pere applauded Glenn’s decision:

Taking advantage is the American Way. It’s also very shrewd. Quite commendable, actually.

Ethics and bargain hunting come up often. I easily thought of two more situations that leave room for customers to “take advantage” or “scam a company,” depending on your perspective. Chain drugstores frequently offer $25 or $30 to transfer a prescription. Is it unethical to continually transfer the prescription from one chain to another?

If you shop at Costco, you know that the warehouse has a very generous return policy, including a 90-day no questions asked policy for electronics. Is it unethical to purchase a TV or other new gadget if you are not entirely convinced you are going to keep it, but use Costco’s return policy to test out the product?

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