I wrote a guide regarding fake Coach keychains and a lot of what I wrote in there can be applied to the cell lanyards and purse charms. Read that guide as well. ·

• Coach cell lanyards and purse charms do not come in a small box! They are put in a small dustbag if purchased at the outlet (in a small white one) or in nothing besides the bag you take it out of the store if purchased at a regular full price Coach store or a Coach counter in the department store.
• My cell lanyards and purse charms didn't come with a price tag on them or anything else. ·
• Coach cell lanyards and purse charms (like all Coach products) do not look like they have poor workmanship. For example: it will not have metal on it that looks like it needs to be clamped together better. The clamped together part on the authentics are hidden and even when you adjust it to view it, they are clamped tightly. · Coach chains and links on items all have very strong links that look very smooth. They will look very smooth/polished. ·
• All items on my authentic cell lanyards and purse charms have the "Coach" emblem on them in one way or another. The emblem may be on the back and/or it may be on the front. · The fake tags look different in size and appearance. The authentic tag is larger and thinner. It is smooth. The fakes are smaller and the "Coach" is printed on top of the tag (like it is raised) whereas the authentic is printed like it is part of the tag (imprinted and you can't feel it raised or anything). ·
• Coach doesn't make "character" cell lanyards or purse charms. Coach did not create "Hello Kitty" items of any kind. They don't collaborate with popular character lines.
• When in doubt, contact Coach to ask them. They are so friendly. The toll free number is 888-262-6224. Ask them if they ever made a particular cell lanyard or purse charm you are looking at. Ask them if their cell lanyards and purse charms EVER come in a box. Just because a seller shows a picture with it in a "Coach" box or even adding a sticker with words and upc code, doesn't mean they are authentic. None of the Coach products have some sticker and a upc code on it. ·
• Report fakes to Coach- you can call 800-396-1807 or e-mail them: counterfeits @ coach dot com ·
• Look at the listing. Some people write it as Authentic "Coach". That is a little tricky and deceiving. They may write auth instead of spelling it out. There are lots of ways some sellers try to make you think it is authentic without saying that it is. They may even avoid saying it at all, but count on you seeing their fake boxes/tissue paper inside boxes as authentic. ·
• Look at the feedback- if even one says fake, it is. Also, look at item descriptions on past feedback to see just how many of the item the person is selling. I find it hard to believe they are selling tons of Coach items at cheap prices! They typically are sold at the factory (outlet) store for at least $16 and at the full price or online for more than that. ·
• Most Coach cell lanyards or purse charms here on eBay are fake- I am sorry to tell you this and the sellers won't like it, but it is true. Don't gamble with your money if you want authentic! Buy directly from a store or outlet. The outlet is the best deal!
• Here is some information I found on COACH website:

Combating counterfeiting of Coach product is an important objective for Coach. The counterfeiters illegally profit at the expense of Coach and affect the entire economy through lost revenues and taxes. In addition, counterfeiters do not typically honor safety and environmental regulations, namely child labor and anti-sweatshop laws. Without a doubt, the high quality and workmanship embodied in genuine Coach product is not duplicated in the counterfeit product; counterfeit quality is typically poor. Coach DOES NOT offer its merchandise for sale through individuals, street vendors, unauthorized retail locations, internet auctions, or at house parties. The ONLY avenues in which Coach offers its merchandise for sale is via: 1) Coach Stores; 2) Coach Factory Stores; 3) Direct Coach Catalog Sales; 4) Authorized Department Stores; 5) authorized specialty stores; 6) limited duty free locations; 7) corporate accounts; and 8) our website (coach dot com) If you purchase a Coach item from an unauthorized source, such as an internet auction, Coach is not required to offer a determination regarding the item's authenticity. Also, Coach will not provide specific tips on how to determine if an item is counterfeit. As you can understand, counterfeiters could use this information to the detriment of Coach. The only way to guarantee the authenticity of a Coach item is to purchase it via the avenues listed above. To report counterfeiters, please call the counterfeit hotline at (800) 396-1807 or e-mail the information requested below to to (email I posted above because eBay won't let me post links) If you wish, you may remain anonymous. Please find below a list of the information that will assist Coach in taking action: 1. Where is the location? 2. What kind of location is it (i.e. retail, street vendor, flea market, internet, factory, etc.)? If you are reporting an internet auction seller, please provide the seller name and/or item number of the item at issue. 3. What quantities and styles are being sold? 4. Are counterfeits of any other companies present? If so, which companies? 5. Do the items bear any Coach trademarks (Coach name, logo, beaded chain and hangtag, Signature C), or are they confusingly similar to our designs and/or trademarks? Please be assured that every lead is a priority and investigated as soon as possible. Your assistance is greatly appreciated and sends a strong message to counterfeiters that their illegal activity will not be tolerated. And remember, if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. (That is Coach site wording, but everyone here knows it is true! If it seems too good to be true, it probably is)