It's a Fake World We Live In

Counterfeit merchandise is nothing new. If something is hot, and expensive, cheaper look-a-likes are likely to follow.

But these days, the desire for designer handbags, shoes and jewelry has reached new heights. Is there any harm in saving money by buying a knock-off wallet or watch? The companies and organizations fighting it think so.

Imitations are selling, and at a fraction of the cost of the originals. Who can afford $2,000 for a Rolex watch, or $500 for a Louis Vuitton purse? If the companies didn't charge so much, people wouldn't have to buy fakes.

A recent Internet search for "fake designer handbags" turned up almost 5,000 Web sites. It contributes to approximately 10% of global trade. Just hit the downtown area of any major city. Wherever there are street vendors, you're likely to find knockoffs. Just take a walk in Chinatown, New York City and you'll fing an awesome amount of counterfeit products on display. Four blocks overflowing with fake designer purses, hats, scarves, watches, rings and necklaces. The labels of fashion's most in-demand brands: Kate Spade, Prada, Fendi, Gucci, Dooney & Bourke, Coach, and Burberry. They alert each other of suspicious customers or police in the area. The system worked. When police raided, the tip-off arrived before the cops. Gates slammed shut, doors locked and merchandise flew off tables within seconds. Sorry, closed, outta here. See you later... somewhere else. It doesn't really stop, they just move somewhere else.

It's illegal, plain and simple and, yes, people are going to jail for selling knockoff handbags. Sad but true. Even the most innocent of people who are having purse parties, or selling a table full of handbags or other designer items at flea markets can face charges. Will it stop us? Unlikely. We want what our favorite celebrities have without the huge price tag. Counterfeiters are not paying taxes or trademark fees, and we're stepping on toes when we carry a fake Chanel. It should bother us when we buy a fake handbag, wallet, scarf or watch... Yeah, right.