A few months back, I was scrolling through Instagram, looking for style inspiration when I came across some accounts offering designer bags for really cheap prices. At first, I thought it was too good to be true, but I was so intrigued I decided to “DM” the account and ask them some questions. Right away their customer service was so good, responding with answers and pictures of the product. But the more I asked, the more suspicious I felt. Could all of these designer bags, from Gucci to Chanel, really be a fraction of the price? That’s when I realized – these were all fake Instagram accounts selling counterfeit bags.
I was so shocked that this type of fake account was actually allowed to exist. But upon further research, I found out that this happens way more often than it was thought. People are constantly being scammed by these Instagram accounts, thinking they’re buying some original designer bags, only to find out later that they were buying cheap knockoffs. And the toughest part is, what can you do afterwards to get your money back? It’s not like you can call up Gucci and ask for a refund.
When it comes to Instagram fake bag accounts, it’s a real toss-up, because the bags they offer look amazing at first glance. The pictures usually look like they could easily be the real thing. Then, the account owners also provide really good customer service to make you feel safe. But if you decide to purchase one of their bags, it could end up being a waste of money, time and trust.
It can be difficult to tell the fake accounts from the real ones because the scam accounts usually copy the real ones. They have the same name, same pictures, everything, so it’s not easy to tell them apart. That’s why I’d suggest doing a few things before buying from an account that offers designer bags. First, check the reviews. If the account has a lot of negative reviews, don’t risk it. Also, look closely at their profile. Real designer bag companies obviously have trademark logos on their account, that is usually a good indication.
The most surefire way to make sure you’re buying the real thing is to find the official store where the product is sold. Don’t purchase fashion items from any Instagram account claiming to sell designer bags, it can more often than not be a scam.
But, another thing I’d suggest is that if you do decide to buy a bag from an Instagram account, make sure you do your research first. Check if it really is an original product or a counterfeit one. Otherwise you can end up getting burned, or maybe worse.
And if you’re not sure at all, don’t risk it. Invest your money in reliable online stores which are much more safe. That way you can also get discounts on original bags, and also get certifications and warranties.
After my experience with the fake Instagram accounts, my biggest takeaway is that consumer protection should be taken more seriously by big brands. This is especially important when it comes to luxury products, because the notion of luxury is the guarantee of quality. Therefore, it’s in everyone’s interest to protect the integrity of these brands, so expensive knockoffs don’t get sold as authentic ones.
To expand further, counterfeiting is a growing problem that is extremely hard to track considering how much it’s impacting the economy. As fake bag accounts continue to grow, they also create a black market for similar items which hampers the brand value of the originals. Moreover, those fake bags are often made with poor quality material, creating unsafe products that can cause a lot of harm.
Another downside of these Instagram fake bag accounts is that it contributes to the larger stigma associated with buying fake products. People tend to have a negative opinion when something is labeled as a counterfeit. And that is directly linked to the reputation of the big luxury brands, as buying fake products is seen as an unethical act that funds the illegal black market.
Advocates, lawmakers, and government entities are all working together to tackle the problem of counterfeiting and to save consumers from being scammed. By bringing this discussion to the public attention, it’s easier for brands to defend themselves by creating a watchful eye for any counterfeit items.
When it comes to the legalities of buying fake designer bags, many conclusion may vary. People might see it as a way to save money or as an ethically wrong act. But no matter what, consumers should be more careful and be aware of the dangers of buying counterfeit items in the first place.