Avoid too-good-to-be-true deals on brand names: RCMP

Last Updated: Monday, November 29, 2010 | 9:29 PM AT Comments34Recommend19

CBC News

RCMP say a knock-off of a brand-name item will usually reveal clues that it's fake, such as uneven stitching or misspelled words on labels or tags. (CBC)

RCMP are warning holiday shoppers to watch out for bargains that are too good to be true.

The federal enforcement section of the RCMP issued a warning Monday about counterfeit knock-offs of popular brand-name items.

Among the fakes RCMP in Halifax displayed to media were purses by Louis Vuitton, Coach and Chanel, shoes by Nike and Bape, team jerseys by Reebok, and watches by Diesel.

All of the items were bought or seized in Nova Scotia.

Cpl. Angela Hawryluk said they are warning consumers to watch out for what they call the "four p's" — product, place, price and packaging.

Hawryluk said a closer look at most counterfeit products will reveal clues that they are fake, such as shoddy workmanship or misspelled labels or tags.

She said if the price is usually too good to be true, it probably is.

A legitimate Louis Vuitton handbag sells for $1,800. The knock-off was bought in a corner store in Halifax for $100.

"These are very, very high-end, brand-name objects that are on the table, and Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Coach — there's Gucci here —they do not sell their items from convenience stores or flea market-style environments," said Hawryluk.

The packaging is also often poorly constructed.

RCMP said in addition to counterfeiters infringing on copyright patterns and designs, buying fakes could be a health hazard.

In the case of footwear, police said, knock-offs often have none of the arch support or other features the real shoes would have.

"There's cushioning, there's air pockets in it, and that's for your health," said Hawryluk. "Those items help you when you're walking. If you take a counterfeit shoe, you have no way of knowing whether any of those functions exist, or even work."

RCMP also warn that by buying counterfeit merchandise, consumers might be supporting organized crime. Hawryluk said while the returns for organized crime are lower than those from drug dealing, dealing in counterfeit goods is less risky, with fines instead of jail time for most convictions.