There is a thread in the eBay sub-forum on a woman we call the "Goyard Scammer", but after reading threads here I feel a need to post an alert. There is clearly a lack of understanding about how serious the problem of fakes and scams regarding these bags (and others) is, so please read the following and ask questions if needed.
After Goyard was bought out and the St. Louis became the "it" bag of 2005/2006, fakes have been produced by the millions. We are talking 1000 fakes to 1 authentic bag out there, and it could be even worse. It is definitely getting worse by the minute.
The company is exclusive and lesser known, making it even easier for people to pass off counterfeits as authentic to unsuspecting bag owners.
Fakes range from the obvious fake made with plastic instead of leather to the superfake that looks and feels authentic which requires further inspection. For those of us that look at our designer handbags, it is devastating to learn that you shelled out near retail price for a $50 counterfeit bag that was made illegally and likely the product of child labor.
As a bag enthusiast and a business owner I eat, sleep, and breathe bags. When I came into the realm of the forum I was surprised to learn that many, if not most of the population is fairly unaware of the existence of counterfeit handbags. Even worse, those who are aware are often ignorant to the fact that any markings, paperwork, or materials used in authentic bag sales can also be counterfeit. Anything anything at all. It is scary, isnt it?
So, below are a list of common misconceptions and scams to help you understand how serious this problem is with Goyard in particular, and how important it is to get your bags authenticated and protect yourself.
#1. If it comes with tags and the seller has a receipt it must be authentic.
No, in fact, most counterfeit bags come with fake tags and fake receipts. Counterfeit resellers can use software to make their own receipts. Scammers will steal photos (or actual copies) of other peoples receipts and use them in listings and print copies as proof.
#2. If the bag is customized of used then it must be authentic.
No, in fact the trend for personalization created a demand for fakes with customization. Counterfeiters see that people make this assumption, therefore it becomes easier to sell a personalized bag than a non-personalized bag. I have even seen bags that looked like they were painted by the scam artists themselves trying to sell on eBay. Used bags dont mean anything, as most people dont even know about the possibility of bags being fake.
#3. I saw a bag on eBay from a platinum power seller who is a My Poupette seller, so it must be authentic
No. I have seen sellers with 2000+ designer item feedback list counterfeit bags, all types and colors.
#4. The seller offers an Authenticity Guarantee and took lots of close clear photos, so I will be fine.
No. Many counterfeiters and scammers use this as a ploy to instill confidence. They can accept your payment, drain their account, and make off with your money before they even put your fake bag in the mail. Close photos of fake bags are still just close photos of fake bags. Just because it looks good doesnt mean it is good.
#5. The seller says they bought the bag at BG/Barneys themselves so they know it is authentic and they guarantee it, so it must be real.
No. When fake bags come with fake receipts from those authorized retailers they can easily say I bought it from Barneys. People are very quick to glamorize bags by hiding flaws and damage from use to obtain a higher price, and even quicker to claim they are the first and only owner of a bag to make it more appealing.
#6. The bag in the photos is authentic, so I should be fine.
No, in fact bait and switch is the oldest trick in the book. When styles are so commonly faked, sellers will post authentic bags and send a counterfeit.
There are still ways to protect yourself in this situation (see below).
FYI: 100% of the Goyard bags currently listed on iOffer and Overstock are counterfeit. eBay, Bonanzle, and Malleries are the only websites that offer reporting for removal of counterfeit goods.
After Goyard was bought out and the St. Louis became the "it" bag of 2005/2006, fakes have been produced by the millions. We are talking 1000 fakes to 1 authentic bag out there, and it could be even worse. It is definitely getting worse by the minute.
The company is exclusive and lesser known, making it even easier for people to pass off counterfeits as authentic to unsuspecting bag owners.
Fakes range from the obvious fake made with plastic instead of leather to the superfake that looks and feels authentic which requires further inspection. For those of us that look at our designer handbags, it is devastating to learn that you shelled out near retail price for a $50 counterfeit bag that was made illegally and likely the product of child labor.
As a bag enthusiast and a business owner I eat, sleep, and breathe bags. When I came into the realm of the forum I was surprised to learn that many, if not most of the population is fairly unaware of the existence of counterfeit handbags. Even worse, those who are aware are often ignorant to the fact that any markings, paperwork, or materials used in authentic bag sales can also be counterfeit. Anything anything at all. It is scary, isnt it?
So, below are a list of common misconceptions and scams to help you understand how serious this problem is with Goyard in particular, and how important it is to get your bags authenticated and protect yourself.
#1. If it comes with tags and the seller has a receipt it must be authentic.
No, in fact, most counterfeit bags come with fake tags and fake receipts. Counterfeit resellers can use software to make their own receipts. Scammers will steal photos (or actual copies) of other peoples receipts and use them in listings and print copies as proof.
#2. If the bag is customized of used then it must be authentic.
No, in fact the trend for personalization created a demand for fakes with customization. Counterfeiters see that people make this assumption, therefore it becomes easier to sell a personalized bag than a non-personalized bag. I have even seen bags that looked like they were painted by the scam artists themselves trying to sell on eBay. Used bags dont mean anything, as most people dont even know about the possibility of bags being fake.
#3. I saw a bag on eBay from a platinum power seller who is a My Poupette seller, so it must be authentic
No. I have seen sellers with 2000+ designer item feedback list counterfeit bags, all types and colors.
#4. The seller offers an Authenticity Guarantee and took lots of close clear photos, so I will be fine.
No. Many counterfeiters and scammers use this as a ploy to instill confidence. They can accept your payment, drain their account, and make off with your money before they even put your fake bag in the mail. Close photos of fake bags are still just close photos of fake bags. Just because it looks good doesnt mean it is good.
#5. The seller says they bought the bag at BG/Barneys themselves so they know it is authentic and they guarantee it, so it must be real.
No. When fake bags come with fake receipts from those authorized retailers they can easily say I bought it from Barneys. People are very quick to glamorize bags by hiding flaws and damage from use to obtain a higher price, and even quicker to claim they are the first and only owner of a bag to make it more appealing.
#6. The bag in the photos is authentic, so I should be fine.
No, in fact bait and switch is the oldest trick in the book. When styles are so commonly faked, sellers will post authentic bags and send a counterfeit.
There are still ways to protect yourself in this situation (see below).
FYI: 100% of the Goyard bags currently listed on iOffer and Overstock are counterfeit. eBay, Bonanzle, and Malleries are the only websites that offer reporting for removal of counterfeit goods.
ensuring authenticity.
