Many consumers justify the purchase of their Louis Vuitton replica handbags by the high price of the originals. Unfortunately what they don't realize is that not only do they get what they pay for, but purchasing counterfeit products only drives the authentic pieces' prices higher and contributes to immoral labor practices and a sagging economy.

Eighteen percent of counterfeit products seized by US customs in 2002 were fashion related items. This is a problem because this robs the country of an estimated $200 billion a year in taxes. The American public has to make up for taxes that could be gained from our imports. This hinders our economy, while the countries these products came from continue to grow and thrive (China for example).

Additionally the funds made from selling these knockoffs often go to organized crime rings. There is evidence that the World Trade Center bombing was funded by the sale of counterfeit apparel. These organizations also commonly employ child labor forces and often use their products to transport drugs and other dangerous materials.

There are some telltale signs however that can help a consumer identify counterfeit Louis Vuitton handbags. Counterfeits can be called copies, knockoffs, replicas, or imitations. Retailers are not always so quick to list their merchandise under these terms. The first major indicator of a fake is the price. A genuine Prada bag will not be found for fifty or one hundred dollars.

The location the bag is purchased is another dead giveaway. Top name designers don't sell their bags on the street, out of cars, at home parties, or in online auctions. Some designers such as Louis Vuitton don't sale wholesale at all- the bags must be purchased directly from the company itself.

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