An invitation-only Facebook group run by a group of Scottish mothers sold counterfeit designer goods, including Rolex watches and Louis Vuitton bags, to thousands of members before it was closed down. The group, named Mirror Mirror, was uncovered after it gained 14,000 members seeking discounted designer items.
Operation and membership
The page was run by Bothwell mum and sales rep Lynn Rankin, who operated it as a side hustle with female associates. Members included wealthy Scots and minor celebrities, and access was restricted to those invited and given a secret password. The group advertised counterfeit goods worth thousands of pounds, with sellers admitting the items were replicas.
The Daily Record gained access to the site in 2020, three years after it launched. Rankin was listed as an admin and regularly posted pictures of replicas with prices, telling members she could order almost anything. The group's description read: "Mirror Mirror. We source the highest quality replica. Mirror/original quality. No refunds or exchanges unless faulty. Defective goods must be notified to admin immediately."
Counterfeit goods and prices
The group advertised a wide range of fakes, including a Gucci briefcase retailing at around £1620 sold for £299, an Omega Speedmaster Chronometer watch retailing at about £4360 sold for £265, and a Louis Vuitton heart purse worth £450 sold for £199. Fake Cartier watches, with originals selling for up to £2000, were sold for £235. Gucci chunky boots, originally costing £775, were offered at £160.
Other items included fake Tiffany jewellery, Fendi trainers, and dozens of Rolex watches, including a Submariner replica sold for £245 compared to the genuine £30,000 timepiece.
Shutdown and response
When confronted by the Daily Record at her home, Rankin initially denied involvement but then said: "Why are you just concentrating on me? There are other people doing it as well. I'm not the only one." She added: "I didn't realise I was doing anything wrong. If I close the page will that make any difference? I will close it down tonight. I don't want to lose my job." Within 24 hours of the interview, the page was closed without warning to members. Facebook stated it did not allow the sale of counterfeit items and removed content violating its policies.
Broader impact
Counterfeit goods are often produced in sweatshops employing children, some as young as five, working for as little as £1 per day. Factories in China, Thailand, India, and Pakistan can produce thousands of items annually for export to the UK. A police source told the Record: "All counterfeit trade is breaking the law in some ways. It is not a victimless crime. It's hugely exploited by organised crime gangs."
