Admit it: if you got to Costco, there is something intruging about the jewelry section—specifically when it boasts $10K "Tiffany & Co." rings for a mere $2500. How can that be? Costco certainly is the place where discounts run plentiful, but this seems too good to be true. Here's a little secret: it is.
The last time I went undercover, I was embedded with the LAPD in 2010. We were on a stakeout of a counterfeit ring selling close to $1.5 million in fake NFL and MLB merchandise. This mission was different, mainly because I was by myself (meaning no protection of law enforcement) and sellers of the merchandise seemed more aggressive/protective of their pieces. I was on a mission to find (and show) how easy it is to get a Celine Nano Luggage bag AND how similar they look (mostly so you can call out your friends for carrying a fake bag). Check it:
Met a vendor who approached me. "You looking for a handbag?" He asked. "Yes, of course I am! Celine Nano Luggage to be exact!" He walked swift and was taking me to a "secret location."
I spy a table full of "designer" sunglasses. And I have to give the counterfeit manufacturer credit, these do look good. But let's be real, they are FAKE Tom Ford, Prada, Gucci and Celine.
From a distance, they look good. My undercover photographer Jack, agrees.
Fake or not? Clearly yes since I am downtown and you probably wouldn't get a pair of legit Prada shades on the street. Which is my first point: if a pair of designer shades are being sold on the street for $30, they ARE NOT DESIGNER!
The vendor is sensing something is wrong. At this point, I have less than one minute to try and find out where she sourced these sunglasses, who her supplier is and if she is selling more merchandise around the area.
No dice. The vendor realized I was taking pictures and got pissed. This was her feeble attempt at blocking my photo of the fake items. Nice try.
Pretending to talk to my sister. Notice how the vendor suspciously looks at me as I wait for the Celine handbag.
I got it! The Celine Nano Luggage bag. But clearly it's fake. Below are five ways you can tell if a Nano is fake or the real deal.
