How to Tell if It's a Fake Forgiato
by Oliver Mintz-Lowe
Whenever something is in demand, there will always be someone out there selling a fake version of it. Market stalls around the world are full of counterfeit watches and jewelry that look very authentic and real. Good car wheels are no different. With a company such as Forgiato, which prides itself on quality, American-made wheels, it is even more important to ensure that what you buy is real, and not a cheap, substandard import.
Step 1
Be vigilant. It is not always possible to spot fake Forgiato wheels, but the first step is to always pay close attention during every part of the process. By keeping your eyes and ears open it will give you a much better chance of working out what is and isn't a counterfeit product.
Step 2
Study real Forgiatos. If you're worried about fake Forgiatos, you should familiarize yourself with what the real ones look like. Search for pictures online, check out the official website and ask around to see if any friends use them.
Step 3
Find an authorized dealer. If you are able to do this, it is the most risk-free way to ensure your Forgiato wheels are real. The official website carries a warning at the top of the page warning people of fake Forgiato products. You should contact an authorized dealer near you before you buy.
Step 4
Scrutinize unofficial sellers. Second-hand markets and online stores are great ways to pick up products at a good price. But counterfeiting does occur regularly in these situations, so it is important to be extra careful. If you know what real Forgiato wheels look like, you should be in a better position to spot the fakes. If you're not sure, consider asking the seller for a receipt or some form of proof of purchase.
Step 5
Browse websites carefully. If you're buying from an online store, read the site closely. Check to see if there are a lot of spelling and grammar errors on the site. If there are, then the site is less credible, and it's advisable to steer clear. A simple Google search is effective too; if the site isn't legitimate someone likely will have written about it.
Step 6
Report a fake. If you are unfortunate enough to purchase a fake Forgiato wheel, you can still report it to U.S. Customs. The best way to do this is to call 1-800-BE-ALERT.
References
Writer Bio
Oliver Mintz-Lowe has been a journalist since 2005. He has written content for BBC local radio programs and news bulletins. Mintz-Lowe received a Master of Arts in multimedia journalism from Bournemouth University.
