Woman orders new Coach chain online. Then she opens her package, and realizes they sent her a knock-off—she’s not alone

A Coach shopper ordered from the luxury brand online. Then they allegedly sent her a “knock-off.”

In a viral TikTok video with 34,900 views, handbag enthusiast Maeg (@maeglovesbags) accused Coach of sending her fake merchandise.

“I placed an order online with Coach and I received a fake item,” she said in the video.

Did Coach send a customer a dupe?

According to the woman, she recently received the package from the retailer, and all seemed fine at first.

“It’s even placed in a dust bag,” the woman explained.

She then showed viewers the item she received.

Maeg said she ordered a bag strap from Coach, which she wanted to use as a chain.

“I knew immediately that this was an inauthentic chain,” the woman said.

She listed the reasons why she believed the item was a fake.

First, she said the chain was “too small” compared to the “real one.” Apparently, the woman ordered a similar item before, and they were very different.

Secondly, the price tag on the item looked like a printed piece of paper.

“It’s not the typical almost cardboard material on a Coach tag,” she said.

Lastly, she pointed out that there was no brand labeling on the chain itself.

Then, she compared the chain she recently received with a previous purchase.

“It’s not even close,” she concluded while showing viewers the side-by-side comparison.

Are luxury brands selling fakes?

The allegation that a luxury brand would send a customer a dupe was shocking for many.

However, it is not the first time that a luxury retailer has been accused of selling fakes.

Back in 2024, TikTok user Joan Kim racked up over a million views on a clip about “being scammed” by Saks Fifth Avenue.

The story was very similar to Maeg’s.

Joan alleged that she purchased a $2,600 bag from Saks and received an item that looked nothing like her previous purchase, even though it was the same style.

The differences between the bags made her believe it was not authentic.

Ultimately, she returned the bag and was given a gift card.

Saks Fifth Avenue pointed to “return fraud” as a possible culprit for the mixup.

What is return fraud?

According to data, return fraud is a growing problem that is costing retailers billions of dollars per year.

Reportedly, one luxury retailer found that nearly 15% of returns to their store included convincing replicas rather than the actual product.

These returned items can then be mistakenly resold to customers, resulting in significant brand damage.

For those who receive the counterfeit goods, the deceit can feel unbearable, especially given the high price tag on luxury items.

In the video’s comments section, some believed return fraud could explain why the woman received the dupe Coach item.

“Someone switched them and returned it,” user Kankurey said.

“I don’t blame you, I’d be livid!! I can’t believe this passed through their return process!” one wrote, adding, “I hope they make this right! Girl, I record every single box I open and everything I sell too. I’ve heard too many horror stories.”

“What the heck?!?! This is so wrong. Do better Coach!!” user marniesparkles11 wrote.

@maeglovesbags @Coach needs to do better. #bag #pursetok #bagtok #customerservice ♬ original sound – Maeg | Handbag Styling ✨

Maeg ultimately expressed frustration after Coach said she would have to return the item and wait for another one to be sent.

The Mary Sue reached out to Coach via contact form and Maeg by email for comment.

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