Do you dream of Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, or Prada? Do you wonder how it’s possible that so many women are walking around the streets of downtown Toronto bedecked in designer originals? Wonder no more. Many are sporting cheap knock-offs, and they didn’t have to go to Canal Street in New York to pick them up.

The Toronto Police have blown the cover off an enormous counterfeit ring in Toronto that would have put approximately 10 million dollars of shoes, handbags, jewelry, and sunglasses on the streets of Toronto. So far 8 people have been arrested (there is still 1 at large) and they are facing a total of 36 charges including theft, possession of stolen property, fraud, forging a trademark, possession of fraudulent wares, and possession of the proceeds of crime. Of those arrested, 3 were working at a store on Spadina, where the fake designer merchandise was being manufactured right in the basement. The suspects, from Toronto and Markham, are between the ages of 22 and 50. Project Chameleon has resulted in the seizure of counterfeit merchandise after raids on 8 retail stores, homes, and warehouses uncovered the illegal goods.

If something is too good to be true it generally is. Here are some ways to spot a fake:

• The price should be a dead give-away. There is no such thing as a Gucci bag for $100.00.
• Check the spelling. Counterfeiters often change one letter in the name. For example they may change Louis Vuitton to Louis Vitton.
• The logo may be missing or altered.
• Have a good look at the materials. They are not the same quality as the real thing.
• Designer goods are sold in specialty stores or from reputable dealers, not on street corners or in flea markets.