The Capitol Fashionista supports Harper’s Bazaar’s Fakes Are Never In Fashion™ initiative. Harper's Bazaar has been working for years to expose the criminal activities connected to the sales of counterfeit products, especially those sold online. Learn how to spot a fake web site and counterfeit goods online in order to avoid being scammed this Cyber Monday.

Tips to shop online safely this Cyber Monday:

• Only buy from authentic websites: Although we know you may be tempted to find the best deals. If there are spelling and grammar mistakes, unprofessional looking designs or a contact form without a legitimate address, email and/or phone number, proceed with caution. You can even take it a step further and call them before you make your purchase to make sure it is legitimate.


• Do your homework: Learn about the brand or product you wish to purchase. With regards to apparel and accessories, study the logo placement, stitching, country of origin and hardware. This way you will be prepared to spot a fake.


• If the price is too good to be true, it probably is.


• Be wary of online auction sites: If the seller is only showing a stock image of the product and no actual photos they have taken, it is most likely a scam. Also look out for the words “factory seconds.” For many designers, factory seconds don’t exist because the products that don’t live up to the brand’s standards are destroyed.

Shop safely but get to shopping!