How to spot fake designer websites

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Cyber Monday was successful for retailers, but unfortunately scammers also cashed in.

Thousands of sites sell knock-off merchandise online, but it's illegal if they're selling the products as authentic.

According to the RI Computer Crimes Unit, fake websites are a huge business, but knowing how to detect the fakes from the real deal is something anyone can do.

"One of the most important things we tell people is to know your seller, to know the website you are going to and verify the contents of that website in your browser," said Lt. Brian Casilli.

A total of 132 websites that were selling knock-off goods are now gone, and instead you will now see "This website has been seized by ICE - Homeland Security Investigations."

Casilli tells us that to detect a fake website, one must check the URL at the top of your Internet browser. A legitimate URL should read as it actually belongs to the company, and beware of URLs that only show an IP address.

Trafficking counterfeit goods is a federal crime, which can carry up to a 10-year prison term and a $2 million fine.

For more information about Internet security, visit the RI Computer Crime Unit's website.