Holiday shopping: How to spot a fake - FOX 35 News Orlando

Holiday shopping: How to spot a fake

Posted: Updated:
ATLANTA -

Every year, there are hot items that your kids say they just have to have for Christmas.  But moms and dads who are trying to save some cash and fit those must-haves into their budget might not be happy if what they end up with is a fake.  

While parents might not be able to spot a fake, your teenager will.  So, here are some tips to make sure you get what you're looking for.  

Any Apple accessory is a hot item on many wish lists, and that includes the LifeProof iPhone case.  YOu can actually put it under water, and it's great for the beach or taking underwater photos or video.  All of that comes with a hefty $80 price tag.  

Shannon Van Buskirk, who runs an e-commerce company, says while it's tempting to look for a better price, on an item like this, there are no deals.  At least there aren't this year anyway, but the fakes are already out there.

Name brand sunglasses, she says, are big with kids this year.  But know that if you get a great deal on a look-alike brand, the UV protection may not be included in the bargain price.  Kids also love watches-- the bigger the better.  

But how do you know if you're getting a real brand-name product?  Buskirk says you should go to the manufacturer's Web site and look at what they're offering.  Then, compare it then to the product you're looking at.  Does the manufacturer even make the color or style you're about to pay for?  And while you're on it, check out the list of authorized dealers.  If your vendor's name is on that list, they're probably authorized to sell the product.

Buskirk also recommends you take a look at the logo to make sure it's authentic.  A fake will mimic the original by pretending to have the same logo, but there are knock-offs out there which are less expensive that are made to look like the real thing, but still maintain its own identity.

  • I-Team Story Archive

  • Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
    For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios.  But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
    For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios.  But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
  • FOX 5 I-Team investigates

    May 16, 2013 10:39 PM 2013-05-17 15:16:51 GMT
    The FOX 5 I-Team found a pattern of payments and perks to one family by the local district attorney's office, and it's a pattern that has critics crying favoritism.
    The FOX 5 I-Team found a pattern of payments and perks to one family by the local district attorney's office, and it's a pattern that has critics crying favoritism.
  • FOX 5 I-Team investigates

    Wednesday, May 15 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-05-16 02:32:39 GMT
    A local man says Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Reed's ex-girlfriend got him fired from his city job. The man told the FOX 5 I-Team about the federal whistleblower lawsuit he's filed and why he wants the city to pay up.
    A local man says Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Reed's ex-girlfriend got him fired from his city job. The man told the FOX 5 I-Team about the federal whistleblower lawsuit he's filed and why he wants the city to pay up.

Contact the FOX 5 I-Team

* denotes required fields

Log InNot you? Log out
We're sorry, but only one entry is allowed per person.
Thank you for your continued interest.

Thanks for contacting FOX 5.  To reach our newsroom by phone, please call (404) 898-0100.

  • Good Day Archive

  • Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
    For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios.  But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
    For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios.  But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
  • Friday, May 17 2013 11:28 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:28:00 GMT
    They say the third time's a charm, and that's certainly the case for Candice Glover.  A third try on American Idol was just what she needed, and on Thursday night she was crowned the season 12 champ.
    They say the third time's a charm, and that's certainly the case for Candice Glover.  A third try on American Idol was just what she needed, and on Thursday night she was crowned the season 12 champ.
  • Get your daily Entertainment Fix for Friday, May 17!
    Get your daily Entertainment Fix for Friday, May 17!
Powered by WorldNow

35 Skyline Drive
Lake Mary, FL 32746

Phone: (407) 644-3535
News Tips: (866) 55-FOX35

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices