Counterfeit FAQs

How to Identify Counterfeit Dresses

Purchasing a dress online can be exciting—but it’s important to be cautious. Counterfeit websites often use stolen photos and offer dresses that look too good to be true. Follow these tips to protect yourself:

1. Don’t Trust Photos Alone

Counterfeit sites often steal images directly from authentic brands. Just because a website shows a professional photo doesn’t mean the dress is genuine.

2. Check the Price

Retail prices for authentic dresses are generally consistent across authorized retailers. If the price is substantially lower, it is likely a knockoff. Remember: if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

3. Be Wary of “Made-to-Order” Dresses

Websites offering dresses in custom sizes, multiple colors, or “made-to-order” options may be producing cheap knockoffs rather than authentic designer gowns.

4. Review the Contact Information

Visit the site’s “Contact Us” page. Legitimate retailers often have:

• A U.S. address

• A working phone number

• Real customer service representatives

Sites operating overseas with only email addresses are more likely to be fraudulent.

5. Read Return Policies Carefully

Understanding the return policy is critical. Counterfeit sellers are often overseas, making refunds extremely difficult or impossible if you are cheated.

6. Research the Seller’s Reputation

Search online for reviews or complaints about the company. Look for patterns of negative feedback or reports of counterfeit activity.

7. Check the Designer’s Official Website

Most designers provide a “Where to Buy” section. If the website is not listed as an authorized retailer, it may be selling counterfeit products.

8. Watch Out for Auction or Marketplace Sites

Designer dresses are rarely sold on eBay, Amazon, AliExpress, or similar platforms. If you see a designer dress listed on these sites, it is likely not authentic.

Why You Should Avoid Counterfeit Sites

• Many customers never receive their dress.

• Overseas websites can disappear, leaving no recourse for refunds.

• Customers are at risk of identity theft.

• If the dress arrives, it is often poor quality, incorrect color, and poorly sized, resulting in costly alterations.

• Counterfeiting is illegal, sometimes funding organized crime or exploitative labor practices.

What to Do if You Accidentally Purchase Counterfeit Goods

1. Request a chargeback through your credit card company or PayPal. They investigate fraud and may issue a refund.

2. Report the site to High Couture at sales@highcoutureusa.com so we can take action.

3. You can also report counterfeit activity to the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Center: https://www.iprcenter.gov/referral/report-ip-theft-form

Using RN Numbers to Verify Clothing

• What is an RN number?
  An RN (Registered Identification Number) identifies the manufacturer or importer of a garment, promoting transparency and accountability.

• How to look up an RN number:
  Search by company name, legal business name, or RN number here: https://www.ftc.gov/rn-database/search?search=

RN numbers help consumers verify authenticity, track product origins, and make informed purchasing decisions.