The "Ps" in "Phony Perfume" Stand for Pee-Pee

Good Morning America recently reported on testing done on counterfeit fragrances seized in Ireland and Great Britain which found bacteria, antifreeze and urine among the ingredients contained in the phony perfumes. Urine, it was surmised, is used for its Ph balancing properties and for its color.

And don't think the stink stays across the pond. This month a multi-agency sting operation in North Carolina resulted in confiscation of over $3.5 million worth of counterfeit items, including fake perfume, at a three-day liquidation sale held at a hotel in downtown Durham, North Carolina.

Immediate physical reactions to the fake fragrances can include skin redness and rash, a burning or itchy sensation, and the sense that the fragrance just 'isn't right' - lacking the fragrance or feel of the original, true fragrance.

So how does a consumer protect herself from unscrupulous vendors selling knockoff counterfeit perfumes before she plops down her hard-earned money? The following are listed as tip-offs to savvy consumers that the perfume you're purchasing might be a smelly wolf in fake sheepskin clothing:

1. Loose, ill-fitting, 'sloppy-looking' cellophane wrappers on the product boxes. The plastic wrap on the fragrance's outer packaging should not be tampered with and should be snug fitting;

2. Flimsy packaging (poorly constructed boxes, boxes made of lightweight, flimsy cardboard) and excessive use of adhesive or tape on the packaging.

3. UPC symbols printed on the side of the packaging rather than on the bottom of the packaging.

4. Uneven printing and/or misspellings on the package.

Harper's Bazaar's January 2010 issue showcases efforts at cracking down on the counterfeit fragrance trade. Valerie Salembier, the magazine's publisher, offered basic, common-sense rules to remember when shopping for fragrances, as summarized below:

If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of vendors offering perfumes, colognes and other fragrance products at prices substantially lower than what you're used to paying;

Be careful of individuals 'reselling' fragrance products. Their ad or other listing might claim they're merely reselling a birthday or Christmas gift but you have no way of knowing for sure;

If you're shopping for a fragrance product you're not already familiar with, take a trip to a reputable seller such as a department store and get acquainted with the look and feel of the manufacturer's packaging. Also get acquainted with the fragrance's price points. Arming yourself with first hand knowledge of the product and its packaging will help you spot a fake if you run into one.

Sources:

ABC News/GMA
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/ConsumerNews/counterfeit-perfumes/story?id=9670448

ABC News/Durham, NC
http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=7208415

Harper's Bazaar/Fakes are Never in Fashion
http://fakesareneverinfashion.com/bazaar-blog/