The name “Fendi” is synonymous with Italian luxury, so it’s no surprise that women the world over are grappling to get their hands on it, or that counterfeiters are trying so hard to make a few bucks selling fakes to wishful budget fashionistas. Worried you might be in danger of falling victim to a fake? Here are 5 helpful hints:

How to Spot a Fake Fendi Handbag

1. Check The Strap

Fendi bags typically are constructed with genuine leather-cored straps. The exterior of the strap may be made of plastic, but the internal components or core will be made of a solid rope of leather. If the interior of the handle appears as if it is made of anything besides leather, than it is not an a real Fendi handbag.

2. Look At The Lining

Authentic Fendi bags will have a lining made of leather or satin. Also look at the stitching on the lining and on the outside of the bag. The stitching will not appear sloppy or crooked. In a word, it will be flawless. If not, the bag is most likely a fake.

3. Take A Whiff

Know what calfskin smells like? If not, you could fall for a fake. Real Fendi bags will have the smell of calfskin. Fakes will smell like chemicals or the cardboard box they came from.

4. Mark Off Your Checklist

A real Fendi has a few non-negotiable things. Try to locate a tag or a serial number plate inside the Fendi handbag. It will have an embossed serial number on it. If any numbers are not clearly visible, this could be a telltale sign it is a fake. Also, the real thing has a label on the inside of the bag and should be accompanied by a dust bag.

5. Don’t Be Naive

If it sounds to good to be true, it is, so be a smart shopper. You won’t find real Fendi on some random street corner or website, and you won’t find it for $20. These bags are only made of the finest materials and will not be sold for an extremely cheap price, no matter if they are used, out-of-season or unpopular with shoppers. Take pride in your purchases. If you can’t spend a few hundred dollars for the real thing, don’t get a fake for $40. Save until you can afford to splurge or find a look-a-like from a less prestigious, but still trustworthy label.