BEWARE!!  There are more than the typical Chinese based guitar frauds around.  It has become apparent that these instruments are also for sale through Canada and the US.   A recent auction used a composite photo to advertise a Gibson/Epiphone Nighthawk guitar.  The seller gave a serial number which, to the untrained eye, appeared good.  It was NOT.  It translated to the guitar being a US unit (Epiphone is built in the Gibson's Korean plant), built on the 709th (seven hundred ninth) day of 1990!  On top of that, he used a fake GIBSON serial on a fake EPIPHONE (different number length and sequence).  In addition, Gibson has never used a DECAL on the headstock, nor has Epiphone.  IT IS A FAKE!  DO YOUR HOMEWORK!  When you find a guitar you are interested in, go to the manufacturer's site and INQUIRE regarding the serial number, etc.  Gibson/Epiphone will get back to you in about 24 hours.  These sellers prey on NEW and trusting bidders.  They have gotten smart enough to ask a low, but not too low, price.  You think it's just a good deal.  REMEMBER, there is NO remorse on their part.  They will threaten and cajole you into paying for the perpetrated fraud.  Telling you your rating will be ruined, etc.  REPORT THEM to the fraud department...if you can get past the (bogus?) item number required to make the report. 

DO NOT FALL FOR THESE UN-DEALS!!!