How to spot fake smartphone: 4 methods explained
Follow UsFake smartphones can be spotted by checking the IMEI number, packaging, and seller details.
Poor performance, software issues, and missing updates are common signs of fake devices.
Always buy smartphones from trusted stores or verified online sellers to avoid scams.
Imagine buying a new smartphone only to find out that it’s fake. Anyone would feel upset and cheated. Recently, a major case of fake smartphones has been uncovered by the Delhi Police as they raided the Karol Bagh and Moti Nagar areas. The authorities have found factories manufacturing counterfeit mobile phones and their accessories under brand names such as Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme have been raided. This isn’t the only case, as earlier this year, Nothing and the Delhi Police also carried out a joint operation to seize fake Nothing accessories. To help you stay safe, I’ve created a simple guide on how to spot fake smartphone and their accessories to avoid scams.
SurveyMethod 1: Check IMEI number
The simplest way to confirm whether your device is genuine or not is to verify the IMEI number of the device against the official website of the brand. Every brand has an exclusive webpage where you can enter the IMEI number of your device to obtain details related to the device.
The IMEI number is a unique identifier of the device. If you wish to know the IMEI number of your smartphone within a short span of time, all you have to do is launch the Phone app from your device and dial *#06#.
Check if the number displayed on your device screen is similar to the one printed on the retail box of your device. Other than that, you should also check the invoice of the device you received and ensure that the IMEI number mentioned there matches the one on your device screen and retail box.
Users can also verify the IMEI number through the government’s CEIR portal or Know Your Mobile app to learn everything about their smartphone. If the IMEI number is missing or different, then there is a high chance that the smartphone may not be genuine.
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Method 2: Via packaging
Packaging quality can reveal a lot about a product, especially if a product is genuine or fake. A fresh smartphone box from a genuine manufacturer includes proper seals, serial numbers and certification marks on the box itself. Moreover, the quality of the box itself makes the difference; it’s sturdy and withstands drops and precipitations.
On the other hand, counterfeit smartphones are usually shipped in boxes that are up to par, but there is no sturdiness. Not only that, but the colours on the box are usually faded, and you can also find spelling mistakes or blurry logos. If that’s not enough, sometimes it also misses the mandatory warranty details of the device.
Method 3: Buy smartphones from trusted sellers
Another easy method using which you can avoid buying a fake smartphone is ensuring that you purchase a new device from a trusted seller or platform. Moreover, even if you’re using e-commerce to buy a new device, then also check the seller details prior to making an order for the device.
When purchasing a device from a store or a shop, then you can look online to see if the shop owner is a trusted seller or not. Furthermore, you can also ask for his GST number to check if he is eligible to sell devices or not.
If someone tries to sell you a device without providing you a proper GST bill, then it’s a big red flag that the smartphone is fake.
In addition to the GST receipt, one must also request the warranty card along with the original receipt of purchase. Lastly, an abnormally cheap price compared to the market price is also a sign that the product may not be authentic.
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Method 4: Check software and device performance
Fake smartphones often show signs of poor quality during regular use, as these devices may have laggy software, weak cameras, overheating issues or loose buttons. Moreover, when you try to run a normal application on them, you may find glitches or unexpected exits from the apps.
Aside from that, unlike the official Android version, the fake smartphones do not receive the official security patch or software updates from Android, as they run modified operating systems. Users may also face issues while downloading new apps from the official Google Play Store.
