Spotting a fake Gucci

LUV this new magazine from Consumer Reports called ShopSmart. A brief preview of the Aug/Sep issue offers these savvy tips:

Buy airline tickets on Wednesday morning because that's when Delta, American and all the rest cut prices for any seats that have not sold on flights in the next 10 days.

Spot items on eBay that have been recalled, like car seats and strollers, by first checking www.recalls.gov.

Don't fall for designer rip offs by sniffing out the fakes. You can't tell just by the price. Fakes are getting so good that some are being sold at full price! So ask for extra pictures to ensure the seller actually has the item on hand, look for words burried in the description like "inspired by" which means the item is a fake. Pay with your credit card. You'll have a better chance of getting money back than if you pay with cash or check. If you use PayPal, link it to a credit card, not your checking account. Look for a phone number (and make sure it works) and address on the seller's info. Seals of approval by watchdogs like the BBB or BuySafe are good signs, too.