Private investigators are not entirely hired to catch adulterous spouses, find missing persons, or examine paper trails. Sometimes, they are hired for their specialty in unveiling fake designer items.

Private investigators choose to develop a niche for themselves for various reasons. Some do so because they can earn more money that way while others simply prefer investigating certain cases. If you wish to be known as someone skilled in unveiling fake designer items, you need to focus on the following factors.

Firstly, they must familiarize themselves with the differences between fake and authentic designer items. In most cases, fake designer items have inferior quality and craftsmanship and sold for remarkably lower prices. A practiced eye, however, will also be able to detect the smallest differences in the product’s appearance to correctly distinguish authentic items from fake ones.

Secondly, private investigators must acquaint themselves with the various modus operandi used by individuals intent on selling these knockoff items. Last July 19, 2007, for instance, over four hundred counterfeit leather-made designer jackets had been confiscated in a warehouse raid in Australia.
Investigation revealed that the jackets were sold by guys with Italian accents. The men were selling them while in cars, driving, and explained that they were selling the items at extremely low prices to avoid paying export duties.

The items had the label Reportage and a counterfeit certification of authenticity to support the belief that the said label is a division of Armani. They had nice packaging but a closer look would reveal noticeable difference in quality.

Thirdly, private investigators must train themselves on how to follow paper trails. Any item sold must have proper documentation such as official receipts or sale invoices. Manufacturing companies would usually be able to confirm authenticity of these products through these documents.

Lastly, keeping updated about the latest news on counterfeit items could also clue in private investigators when and where to expect these items are selling.

Unveiling fake designer items could mean big business for expert private investigators. Last Friday, September 7, 2007, news reports surfaced regarding fake designer handbags being sold to suburban women. A woman named Michelle Bunfill was detained on Thursday but did not face arrest after an inquiry resulted to the discovery of over five hundred fake jewelry, sunglasses, wallets, purses and other items in the woman’s home. According to news reports, private forensics investigators calculate loss of companies due to fraudulent sales amounting to over $500,000.

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