How to spot a fake

Knockoff designer goods are readily available on the street in such areas such as Los Angeles' Santee Street and New York's Canal Street.

And the internet is full of online auctions and cybersellers offering "Inspired by" copies and outright fakes.

The old method of spotting fakes was simple: flimsy hardware, cheap leather and misspelled logos were a giveaway.

Now, fakes are so good (and expensive) that you simply can't tell the difference.

So how do you know what's real and what's not?

Some clues:

• The price. A new Louis Vuitton handbag for $100 is not authentic. The real thing often sells for $500 to well over $1000. Same thing for Prada and Gucci.
• Where it's being sold.  Authorized dealers for Chanel, LV, etc. do not sell handbags out of the trunk of a car. Nor do they sell them at online auctions or at home parties.
• Point of origin tag. Designer apparel or leather goods with a "Made in Taiwan" tag are not authentic.