Q. I Won a $63 Prada Bag on eBay. Do You Think It's a Fake?

A.As tempting as it is to believe that there are alternate sources for authentic designer handbags for less than $100, it simply isn't true.
Although eBay has rules forbidding the sale of counterfeit goods on its site, it still happens.
How do you know if what you are getting is the real thing? A few guidelines:

• If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Without even seeing your $63 Prada bag, I'd bet it's a fake just because the real deal a) sells for hundreds b) has no reason to sell in auction because it retails on reputable sites and in stores.
• Counterfeits these days are good: so good, in fact, that some are indistinguishable from the original. So looking for misspelled words or upside-down logos aren't going to be a tip off anymore. And some cost hundreds of dollars. So the best way to avoid buying a fake is to buy from a store you know. Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue and eLuxury are all reputable merchants that sell designer handbags.

Find out more about "Faking It."