(As posted on my Squidoo lens.)

Knock-off handbags are also known as counterfeit purses and they are made to look like an original designer version and are meant to fool others into thinking they are the "real thing." Knock-offs are big business. Just think of bustling Canal Street in Chinatown, NY. The black market, so to speak, for these fake purses is huge. There is lots of money to be made in selling knock-off versions of the best designer handbags, but at what cost?

These fake bags are cheaply made, about $2 a bag, but people pay up to $60 for them on the street. Where does that money go? "Dateline" reported a few years ago that federal investigators have traced the proceeds from the Chinatown counterfeits to a dangerous underground economy. An economy that supports organized crime and terrorism. Selling the bags are illegal, and many designer labels are sending their attorneys out to find people who are doing so. Getting caught selling these bags could mean federal prison time. Even Wal-Mart was involved in a lawsuit which settled last year where they were selling fake Fendi products and passing them off as genuine.

How do you know if you're buying the real thing?
* If you can peel off the label, it's a fake. Duh!
* The real thing will have a tag indicating where it was made, and authentication papers.
* Real designer handbags are sold at either company stores or major department stores, not at home parties or on the street.
* On fake handbags or knock offs, the metal hardware is often noticeably cheaply constructed.

Unfortunately, the "real thing" will cost you a pretty penny. A Louis Vuitton canvas clutch is $550. Dooney & Bourke's giraffe print purse is $525. There's no doubt these purses are well made, and the designer label is great. But if you're an average woman who wants to have the latest style of purse or handbag without forking over an entire paycheck, try finding high-quality designer inspired handbags online from reputable sellers. Handbags and purses that say they are "designer inspired" don't have a fake designer label on them. They are purses that look similar to the latest styles and in fact are inspired by the latest designer purses but have their own unique characteristics. A designer inspired giraffe print purse does not claim to be from Dooney & Bourke. It is a replica, or inspired version of the real thing. Designer inspired or replica handbags and purses are made from high quality materials and craftsmanship. So you can have the look at a fraction of the cost, and not be ashamed about buying a "knock-off" version that everybody knows is a fake anyway. Plus, you won't be indirectly supporting organized crime or terrorism. Isn't that a win-win situation?

Happy shopping!