2023-09-28 20:15:36
Paying a huge amount for a product before realizing that it is a counterfeit is probably the biggest fear of major buyers on the web. Here’s how to protect yourself.
Smartphone copies abound on social networks and the Internet. Samsung, OnePlus, Huawei and all the big ones are affected by the phenomenon, but it is particularly Apple and its iPhone which are victims. A quick trip to AliExpress or any other second-hand site or site known for its counterfeits to get an idea of the number of fake iPhones sold on the web.
But faced with all these copies, it can sometimes be difficult to navigate and recognize a fake iPhone. Apple has also implemented a new security system once morest counterfeiting with the iPhone 15, but older models are still victims of the phenomenon. We saw it once more with the case of the Dour family, who bought a fake iPhone 14 Pro Max on Facebook for €1,000. The device, however, looked like a real iPhone.
How exactly can you go regarding avoiding falling into this trap? How do you know if an item sold elsewhere than on the official network is not a counterfeit? Here are some tips that may come in handy in such a situation.
Examine the CE logo
This is probably one of the main tips we can give you to ensure that you are buying an official device and not a copy. To guarantee a certain quality in products imported into the European Union, the Old Continent has implemented the “CE” symbol. This ensures that the imported product complies with the laws in force in the Union, meaning “European Conformity”.
The problem is that China has created an acronym that is almost identical to that of the EU. It is also represented by a “CE”, except that in this one the two letters are closer and mean “China Export”.
© Encorda2 / Youtube
Check the receipt or invoice (if existing)
When the device is still under warranty, the seller generally offers to provide you with the purchase invoice or receipt. On the one hand, it is proof of good faith and an article that is official. On the other hand, this will allow you to verify the origin of the product, the validity of the guarantee as well as the authenticity of the device.
An example of a fake receipt.
Some details are unmistakable. If there are typos or spelling errors on a receipt from a large chain store, such as Fnac or an Apple Store, this is usually a sign that the receipt is fake. Also check the list of information on the ticket.
If a paragraph is not in the same language as the others, it is a false invoice. In the example in the photo, the purchase date corresponds to August 24, 2023. The end of the warranty has been established on… September 7, 2023, i.e. only 14 days of warranty, while Apple applies a warranty of one year.
Check serial number
Generally, the presence of a serial number on the packaging of the device, in its settings or on the receipt indicates an authentic device. However, the most ingenious fraudsters sometimes come up with tricks to counter this parade and use a real serial number.
Checking the serial number with the manufacturer nevertheless remains a good first instinct to be sure that it is not a black market device that has been blacklisted.
Ensure the quality of packaging and product
If famous brands like Apple refine the finish of their product and the packaging, the industries that design counterfeits generally do not pay attention to details. In the case of an iPhone, even the cardboard packaging of the phone is carefully thought out. The inscriptions on the back of the box should, for example, be compared with a box purchased in an Apple Store.
An iPhone (or any other smartphone) which has not yet been used and which is brand new is normally still in a blister and under protection. Check the quality of these packaging.
Check product price
Finally, a device that is sold overpriced or that is priced much lower than what it would be in civilian life is generally a product that is suspect.
For example, a 256GB iPhone 15 Pro sold at Apple costs €1,359. If you find the same model a week following its release for the trifle of €700 or €1,500, there is reason to cry out for a scam.
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