TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

Red flags, counterfeit tells, and the no-return trap.

The eyewear market has a scam problem, and it preys on one emotion: the thrill of the impossible deal. Here's how to spot the traps before your money disappears.

**The impossible discount.** Luxury frames at 80–90% off, "wholesale direct," "factory overstock" — if a deal requires you to suspend disbelief, suspend the purchase instead. Genuine designer frames have controlled distribution; they don't end up on mystery sites at fire-sale prices. What does end up there: counterfeits, grey-market frames with no warranty, or straight-up nothing after you pay.

**Counterfeit tells.** Misspelled brand names and blurry logos are the amateur hour stuff. The real tells are subtler: hinges that feel gritty instead of smooth, acetate with visible seams or bubbles, lenses with distortion at the edges, missing or photocopied authenticity cards, and — the big one — no serial or model numbers etched where the real ones live. If you can't verify it, don't wear it near your eyes.

**The no-return trap.** Any seller — online or in person — that won't take back unworn frames or remake a bad prescription is running a volume game, not a service business. Legitimate optical sellers live on remakes and returns; it's built into the model. A "final sale" on prescription eyewear is a confession.

**The pressure close.** "This price expires today." "Only one left at this price." Real optical shops don't do this. Walk away from anyone who does. Trust the feeling in your gut: if a listing makes you do mental gymnastics to justify it, the gymnastics are the warning.

If a deal requires you to suspend disbelief, suspend the purchase instead.