BLACK FRIDAY FAKES

Money Mail, November 28

IF SOMETHING is dramatically cheaper than usual, then you should assume it’s fake. However, things can be sold at half price — so I can see why you might buy something and think it is genuine.

K. L., Denmark.

A WHITE T-shirt which is bought for a few pence can be sold for £60 once the famous brand name or logo of a designer is printed on it. In my opinion, that is the real rip-off.

C. R., Berkshire.

I BOUGHT some fake sports jerseys for £2 each in The Philippines. If I bought the genuine branded versions here in the UK, they would have cost me £18 each.

G.T., Swinhill, Lanarks.

THERE will always be a demand for counterfeit goods because the originals are out of reach for most people financially. However, safety can be a big concern when it comes to these products.

D. E., London,

REAL designer brands never offer more than 20 pc off in these kind of sales. If it is not being sold on an official site, I usually don’t bother.

G.L., email

WITH branded products, so much of what you pay for goes into the marketing and advertising side of the business. I’d rather buy a non-quality unbranded product than pay for the name.

L. S., U.S.

FAKES are not always obvious. You might buy some designer boots for £105 when they are usually £120. I know people who have had goods seized at customs and they had no idea they were fake.

F. F., Ireland.

PEOPLE will always buy these fakes because they want to make it look like they have more money than they actually do. Don’t let greed get the better of you.

F.H., Cheltenham.