Handbag wars
With the advent of the Internet the crims are raking in the dirty dollars. Ebay is a breeding ground for fake designer merchandise and while there are websites selling the genuine article, there are just as many passing off counterfeit goods as the real thing. The problem is taken seriously by those at the top. Rumour has it that security staff at Louis Vuitton will even confiscate guests' handbags at their fashion shows if they are suspected fakes (oh the shame)! So, what are the signs to look out for?

The design
Do your research. Every celeb worth their close-up carries a status bag - the pages of Heat, Vogue and Harper's Bazaar are full of them. Check sites like www.vogue.com or the designers' own sites (www.gucci.com, www.vuitton.com, www.dior.com) to see the styles and details of authentic merchandise clearly. Never seen a Murakami visor? That's because they don't exist outside of Canal Street.

Puckered leather and wonky stitching are sure signs of a fake
The fabric
When paying big bucks for a designer bag you're definitely paying for the name, but also the craftsmanship. The reason a real Hermès Kelly bag costs an arm and a leg is because they're hand made. You won't see shoddy workmanship on a legitimate bag - puckered leather and wonky stitching are sure signs of a fake. Only accept an article in pristine condition; if you're questioning the quality it's likely to be suspect.

The details
Don't overlook the smaller features. The zips, handles, buckles and other trimmings are often what lets down a fake. Hermès bags should have an 'Hermès Paris' stamp, while genuine Louis Vuitton leather goods say 'Louis Vuitton Paris, Made In France'. However, the fakers are cannier than ever and are wise to the fact that savvy shoppers seek the 'LV' stamp on zips and press studs. In this case, look even closer. Monograms should be clearly printed, not smudged - and stitches should be tiny and discreet, not clumsy and gaudy.

The nod of approval
There are some websites authorised to sell designer labels. Amongst the three most popular are www.yoox.com, www.eluxury.com and www.net-a-porter.com - all legitimate designer etailers (eluxury.com is run by LVMH which owns Dior and Vuitton). Natalie Massenet from Net-a-porter.com that sells bags by Marc Jacobs, Chloé and Moschino advises, 'Consumers should look to shop on websites that are recommended by the brands themselves or by a trusted source such as high-end fashion magazines. www.jimmychoo.com for example links to Net-a-porter.com. If in doubt about the authenticity of the goods available online you should always review the Terms and Conditions of the website, which should explain the provenance of the goods.' It's also worth checking the returns policy. All sites are bound by law to offer a refund service. If it doesn't, alarm bells should ring.

The extras
When buying from auction sites like www.ebay.com look for extras like branded dustbags, boxes (designers love packaging) and identity cards. But be alert. However much you follow these rules the fakers are always one step ahead. In many cases they can fake the packaging and ID cards as well as the handbags, so don't let your guard down. The bottom line is: if you have any doubts, don't buy.