How to spot replica items?

We are doing our best to monitor the site so you wouldn't have to worry about items authenticity but as there are thousands of items added daily then you may still spot some replica items which we haven't noticed yet. Not to worry - in this article you can find some tips and tricks on how to spot replica items and how to report these.

Here are some red flags to look out for when buying branded items:

  1. Listings' images are taken from another website and not from the actual item
  2. Seller is unable to provide additional images from the item
  3. The serial number of the item can't be found or the Seller is unable to prove the items' authenticy
  4. The items' stitching/material and the brand logo is uneven or poor quality

Below you can find more in depth instructions on how to authenticate some of the most popular brands. Please note that this list is not comprehensive and most of the examples are base on handbags.

  1. Louis Vuitton
  • Louis Vuitton uses brass or gold-plated hardware. The zippers should have the LV logo on them.
  • The stitching should be neat, without any loose threads or fraying. The stitching should also maintain consistent colour and thickness throughout the bag.
  • Louis Vuitton uses a system of date codes to indicate when and where a bag was made, which can typically found on a leather tab inside the bag, often near the seam or pocket. Louis Vuitton date code authenticator can be found HERE
  1. Christina Dior
  • The stitching should be neat and even. The Dior logo should be clear, precise and evenly spaced. Be cautious of logos that appear misaligned. 
  • Every Dior bag has a leather tag with a heat stamp in the inner. The tag should have round corners. The serial number can be found on the back side of the tag. You can read more about Dior serial numbers HERE.
  1. Chanel
  •  The hardware should be weighty and finely crafted, featuring the interlocking ‘’CC’’ logo. Chanel bags also feature chains, which should have substantial weight to them and have a smooth, polished finish.
  • The interlocking ‘’CC’’ logo should be symmetrical, with the right ‘’C’’ overlapping the left ‘’C’’ at the top and the left ‘’C’’ overlapping the right ‘’C’’ at the bottom. The logo should also be centered and evenly spaced. Be cautious of logos that appear misaligned or poorly execute
  • All genuine Chanel bags come with an authenticity code. Each serial number indicates when the bag was made. If a brand-new item (e.g handbag) has a serial number or sticker, which reflects an older model, will indicate a fake Chanel bag. Chanel code authenticator can be found HERE
  1. Gucci
  • Pay close attention to the stitching, which should be precise and even, with no loose threads or irregularities. The double G logo should be symmetrical, with clear, defined lines and no blurring.
  • Zippers should be smooth-operating and have engraved logos.
  • Inside the bag, opposite from the bag’s front closure, there should be a leather tag with a heat-stamped text. The front should have three lines of heat-stamped text, while the back side will have the serial number. A guide on how to authenticate Gucci serial number can be found HERE.
  1. Prada
  • Prada’s stitching should be precise, even and without loose threads. Hardware must include engraved logos. Lightweight and cheaply made hardware indicates a counterfeit.
  • Authentic logos are clear, well-defined and evenly spaced. Pay close attention to the font, spacing and alignment of the logo. Counterfeit Prada bags have poorly executed logos. Please read more about how to authenticate Prada bags HERE.
  1. Nike
  • Pay attention to loose threads and irregularities.
  • Every pair of Nike shoe has a SKU number on the box. Check the SKU number on the box and compare it to the SKU number on the shoe’s tongue – if the number’s match, it’s a good indication that the shoes are authentic. You can find Nike UPC checker HERE.
  • Some Nikes have special features. For example, Nike Air Max sneakers have a visible air bubble in the sole, and Nike Air Force 1 sneakers have a distinctive AF1 logo on the tongue.

Feel free to use the "Report" button for any prohibited items or suspicious Sellers. Once clicked and submitted, we'll look at the item/user and take the needed and necessary next steps forward. You can read more about on how to report HERE.

If you've received an item you've purchased then make sure to always check it before clicking on "Item received". If the item differs from what was advertised (e.g it is not authentic) or has hidden flaws then you have the right to return it. In that case we suggest you to take images of the item and share your concern with the Seller via Yaga messages or Yaga support via Chat bubble.

According to our T&C, selling counterfeit goods, replicas, or unauthorized copies, which includes factory rejects and parallel imports is prohibited on the platform (see our full list of 'Prohibited items' HERE). Even if mentioned so in the description, selling brand name "replica" products is illegal and therefore not tolerated.

Still need help? Contact Us Contact Us