Emily Abraham, the co‑owner of pre‑loved luxury boutique Love Luxyry, has outlined practical steps buyers can take to spot counterfeit designer handbags as transactions move increasingly onto social media platforms.
Abraham, who has said she and her business have sold more than $65 million worth of designer bags and who reached a large audience after appearing on ITV’s Million Pound Pawns, told followers that increased online resale activity has been accompanied by a rise in knock‑offs. She and her husband, Adam, now operate a large resale business and have built a substantial social‑media presence, with millions of followers on platforms including TikTok.
Abraham advised that buyers should start with the seller and the price. Listings that offer rare or high‑value items at unusually low prices should prompt caution. Buyers should check the seller’s history, reviews and whether the seller provides clear, consistent images of the actual item rather than manufacturer photos or stock images.
She recommended examining logos and hardware in close detail. Monograms should be symmetrical and aligned; logo fonts and spacing should match the known model; hardware should feel heavy and solid rather than light and plasticky. Zippers, rivets and clasps often reveal inconsistencies in finish or stamping on counterfeits.
Stitching and construction are other common giveaways, Abraham said. Authentic designer pieces generally have even, tight stitching and consistent thread colour. Inside linings and seams should be neatly finished, with no loose threads or glue showing. She also suggested checking serial numbers, date codes and authenticity cards against known formats for the specific brand and model.
Material and sensory cues can help differentiate genuine items. Smell and feel of leather, the weight of the bag and the quality of the lining are difficult to replicate perfectly. Packaging and accessories — dust bags, boxes and branded cards — should also be inspected, as counterfeit sellers sometimes replicate these imperfectly or omit them entirely.
When uncertainty remains, Abraham advised buyers to seek professional authentication. Independent authentication services and in‑person appraisals at reputable consigners or boutiques can verify provenance and condition. Photographic authentication services that specialise in designer goods also exist and may be useful for online purchases.
Abraham stressed documenting provenance where possible: receipts, original purchase paperwork, prior appraisals and a clear chain of ownership increase confidence in an item’s authenticity and resale value. She noted that reputable consignment businesses and established resale platforms typically offer verification processes and clearer return policies, which can reduce buyer risk.
The growth of social‑media marketplaces has expanded access to rare and collectible handbags but has also complicated oversight. As sellers use short‑form video and private messaging to reach buyers, Abraham recommended that buyers insist on multiple, high‑resolution images from different angles, close‑ups of hardware and serial markings, and a written return policy before completing a purchase.
The pre‑owned designer market has become an important segment of the fashion economy, attracting both collectors and first‑time buyers. Experts and established resellers caution that while many genuine items circulate through secondary markets at lower prices than retail, the presence of high‑quality counterfeits means due diligence is essential. Authentication services, transparent seller histories and careful inspection remain the primary tools for consumers seeking to reduce the risk of purchasing a fake.
Abraham’s guidance reflects common practices among professional resellers who buy, authenticate and sell at scale for both everyday customers and private clients. Buyers who plan to invest in pre‑loved luxury pieces are advised to prioritise documented provenance and use recognised channels when possible to protect their purchases and potential resale value.