Last year, there were an estimated 30,000 fake items in circulation on the UK’s high street. The good news is that, with a little bit of caution, you can spot a fake before parting with your hard-earned cash. The best method is to be informed – and that’s why we’ve put together this list of the most commonly faked goods, as seen by pawnbrokers.
1. Watches and Jewellery
Watches and jewellery often carry a high price tag, which is why they’re such a commonly faked item. Counterfeiters can generate a significant amount of cash from producing fake watches and jewellery and selling them to unsuspecting buyers. Unfortunately, many people fall foul of this scam, particularly when buying on the second-hand market.
Using a pawnbroker to buy or sell watches and jewellery gives you added protection against fake goods. If you want to obtain a loan against Rolex watches, for example, our in-house team will assess the items and offer you a loan value instantly.
2. Watches and Jewellery
Genuine designer handbags and sunglasses can be worth a significant amount. In fact, some luxury handbags can be worth in excess of £100,000, which highlights just how valuable this market is. Of course, any goods that carry such a high price tag are prime targets for unscrupulous individuals who want to make a quick buck by producing fake goods.
Often, fake handbags and sunglasses are mass-produced in professional factories. With an impressive level of quality, it can be tricky to spot a handbag that’s been faked, especially if the manufacturing process has been carried out by experienced workers.
At Maxcroft, we’re adept at distinguishing genuine items from fake goods, which is why we’re a leading pawnbroker. Our dedicated team is always on hand to assess items, provide valuations and offer instant loans, so why not get in touch with Pawnbrokers London today?
3. Cosmetics and Perfume
Many people are surprised to learn that fake cosmetics and perfumes are often produced and sold in a variety of locations. From market stalls to online shops, it’s easy to be tricked into inadvertently buying fake goods. In some instances, items are counterfeited so professionally that it’s difficult to determine whether an item is genuine until you actually begin using it.
However, fake cosmetics and perfume represent a major problem for UK consumers. As well as wasting your hard-earned cash on items of low quality, purchasing counterfeit perfumes or cosmetics could put your health at risk.
When these types of fake goods are purchased, the buyer has no way of knowing exactly what’s in them. The ingredients may not even be suitable for human use, which means there’s a significant risk to your health. Due to this, it’s vital to only purchase such items from reputable sources and, if in doubt, check with the manufacturer, who should be able to confirm whether or not an item is genuine.
4. Shoes and Trainers
Designer shoes or brand-name trainers also represent a significant portion of trade amongst counterfeiters, so be wary when purchasing footwear from unfamiliar brands. Luxury shoes can cost upwards of £2,000-3,000, so you could suffer significant financial loss if you inadvertently purchase a pair of fake boots or stilettos. While trainers are typically available at a lower price, you could still stand to lose hundreds of pounds if you accidentally purchase fake goods.
5. Electronics
Most people in the UK own multiple electronic items, and the popularity of these items means that they’re often counterfeited. From smartphones and tablets to laptops and even televisions, you’d be surprised at how many people are fooled into purchasing fake goods.
Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about verifying the authenticity of electronic items when you visit pawnbrokers near me. At Maxcroft, we take our role as pawnbrokers seriously and assess every item that’s brought into us. This enables us to protect our clients and ensure that all of the goods we loan against are genuine. To learn more about how pawnbroking works, talk to our team now on 0208 518 1828.
How To Spot a Fake
Being able to spot a fake can help you to identify potential scams and can save you a substantial amount of cash in the long term. Luckily, we’ve got some savvy tips that will help you to separate the wheat from the chaff.
1. Quality of the Materials
High-end designer items are typically made from luxury materials. If a designer handbag feels more like PVC than genuine leather, it could be a sure sign that it’s a counterfeit item.
2. Prices That Are Too Low
Everyone loves to grab a bargain but if something seems too good to be true, it probably is! If you’re purchasing goods second-hand, research the market first and get an idea of how much an item is likely to be worth and, therefore, how much you should expect to pay.
3. Unknown Retailers
When individuals are selling fake goods, they’re often quick to set up shop or launch a website. If a retailer doesn’t offer any information about their history and you can’t find reliable information about them, be wary about doing business with them.
Finding the Best Pawnbrokers
Finding the right pawnbroker enables you to secure flexible loans against valuable items at any time, so it’s well worth finding a firm you can trust. With in-house experts and a roster of happy clients, we’re well-placed to deliver the reputable and professional service you require.
Are you interested in pawnbrokers near me in Essex? Maxcroft has over 40 years’ experience, offers outstanding service, and issues loans against assets and valuables.
If you’d like to discuss an item that you are considering selling, take a look at our pawnbrokers website page here.
