phony — not genuine; fake or fraudulent

a shifty vendor holds up a luxury handbag that looks expensive but has crooked stitching and cheap materials. The vendor tries to convince a cautious female shopper that it's authentic designer quality. The customer examines the bag closely and notices the poor craftsmanship and flimsy hardware. Her expression changes from interest to suspicion as she realizes something is wrong. Other shoppers nearby shake their heads and walk away from the stall. A genuine leather goods vendor at the next stall displays clearly superior quality items. something that is not genuine but fake and fraudulent