Imagine you bought a new smartphone and later found out that it is fake. In such a situation anyone would feel bad and feel cheated. Recently, Delhi Police busted a big racket by conducting raids in Karol Bagh and Moti Nagar areas. Authorities found factories manufacturing counterfeit mobile phones and accessories, which were being fraudulently sold under brand names like Oppo, OnePlus and Realme. This is not an isolated incident; Earlier this year, Nothing and Delhi Police conducted a joint operation and seized a large quantity of counterfeit Nothing accessories. To keep you safe, we have put together a handy guide on how to spot fake smartphones and accessories, which will help you avoid falling victim to such scams.
Method 1: Check IMEI number
The easiest way to find out if your device is genuine or not is to check its IMEI number on the brand’s official website. Every brand has a special webpage where you can get complete information about your device by entering its IMEI number. The IMEI number acts as a unique identifier for every device. To quickly find out your smartphone’s IMEI number, simply open the Phone app on your device and dial *#06#. Next, check whether the number visible on your screen matches with the number printed on the retail box. You should also check the invoice that came with the phone to make sure that the IMEI number on it matches the numbers on your screen and the retail box. Users can also check the IMEI number through the Government of India’s CEIR portal or ‘Know Your Mobile’ app and get complete information about their smartphone. If the IMEI number is missing or different, there is a high chance that the smartphone is not genuine.
Method 2: Check the packaging
The quality of the packaging tells a lot about the product, especially whether it is genuine or fake. Smartphones from genuine manufacturers have correct seals, serial numbers and certification marks on their boxes. Additionally, the quality of the box also matters; Original boxes are sturdy and can easily withstand drops or moisture. In contrast, counterfeit smartphones often come in boxes that may look good but are not sturdy. Additionally, the colors on the box may appear dull, and you may also notice spelling mistakes or faded logos. These boxes also often do not contain important warranty information about the device.
Method 3: Buy smartphone from trusted seller only
Another easy way to avoid buying a counterfeit smartphone is to buy a new device from a trusted seller or platform. If you are buying online, be sure to check the seller information before placing your order. If you are buying from a shop, you can check online whether the shopkeeper is registered or a trusted seller. You can also ask for their GST number to confirm whether they have the authority to sell the device or not. If someone tries to sell you a device without a proper GST bill, it is a big sign that the smartphone could be a fake. Along with the GST receipt, you must also ask for the original purchase receipt and warranty card. Lastly, if the price of the phone is much lower than the market price, it is a sure sign that the product is counterfeit.
Method 4: Check software and device performance
The poor quality of counterfeit smartphones often becomes apparent during daily use; For example, software may run very slowly, camera performance may deteriorate, the device may overheat, or buttons may become loose. Additionally, when you try to run standard apps on them, you may encounter problems or the apps may crash suddenly.
Also, unlike the original Android versions, these fake smartphones do not receive any official security patches or software updates from Android as they run on a modified operating system. Users may also face problems in downloading new apps from the official Google Play Store.