Go through these telltale signs that can help you identify an original from a counterfeit, and make sure you are not taken for a ride.
Unreal discounts
If you buy something, especially online, at a fraction of the price, or the deal is too good to be true, it usually is. Know how much discount is typically available on branded or luxury items and if the offer is unrealistically low, say, 70-80% of the MRP, then you are definitely buying a fake.
Flimsy packaging
This is a dead giveaway as good brands and businesses take a lot of care and spend a lot of money on packaging. If the item is shabbily packed, doesn’t fit properly in the box, uses substandard material like cheap plastic or sagging cardboard, take it as a sign of counterfeiting. Similarly, if you get a product without any packaging at all, know it to be a fake.
Grammatical & spelling mistakes
Counterfeit products can be easily identified through wrong spelling (an extra or a missing letter) or grammatical errors. For instance, Hewlett Packard will be written as Hewlet, or Louis Vuitton may be spelt as Vitton. While these mistakes in brand names are deliberate to lure the careless customer, those in the product information or instruction manual reflect the fraudsters’ lack of education. So read carefully for this clear giveaway.
Fake websites
If you are shopping online, one easy way to counter the purchase of fake items is to check the authenticity of websites. If the site is fake, so are the products. Confirm the URL and ensure that the site is safe by looking for ‘https’ (instead of http) and the lock sign. You can also verify the site’s authenticity by pasting the website address on www.scamadviser.com and http://whois. domaintools.com/. These let you know whether it's a reliable site.
Poor quality of products
The quality of counterfeit products is usually suspect, with cheap alternatives used in place of the original. The material can be tacky plastic, fake leather, cheap glass, poor quality cloth, old or used parts in electronic appliances and gadgets. Even the shape of the containers can be slightly different. If the product has a course, used feel to it, do not buy it.
Omissions & mismatch
The company prints several features like codes, serial or model numbers, trademark, and patent information on the package or product. Typically, fake products miss out on a few details while copying the information. You can also crosscheck the numbers with the original products online, especially for electronic items or appliances.
Flawed fonts, logos
Much like the spellings, it is easy to detect fake logos, brand names and trademarks, if you are paying attention. If you are observant and know the original logos well, you can catch even the smallest variation. If this is difficult for you, take a picture of the product you think is fake, and compare it with the original online. The font could be slightly different or of the wrong size. Even the colouring could be faded or altered minutely from the original. The printed text could be faded, smudged, illegible or misaligned.
No contact details
If the manufacturer’s physical address, e-mail, phone number or contact details are not listed on the product or package, it should be cause for concern. This implies you have no means of contacting anyone for grievance redressal. It is best to avoid such products. If the contact details are mentioned, try to verify these on the website or call to confirm before you make a purchase.
Missing accessories
Make sure that all the supplementary parts and accessories that have been mentioned on the package are present in the box. If the instruction manual, warranty card, wires, plugs or other items are missing, get back to the retailer immediately. Better still, open the box and check it in the store before buying. In case of an online purchase, make a video recording of the unboxing while taking delivery.
Unauthorised centres
It’s best to buy electronic items, appliances, gadgets and branded ware from authorised retailers, licensed sellers and genuine brand outlets. If you are getting a good discount elsewhere, check the store’s address by going online and make sure you have genuine contact details.
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I've spent considerable time studying the intricacies of counterfeit identification across various industries, from luxury goods to electronics, enabling me to discern genuine products from their counterfeit counterparts. Let's dissect the elements of counterfeit identification outlined in the article you provided:
1. Unreal Discounts: Genuine branded or luxury items seldom come with excessively high discounts. Authentic products generally maintain a certain price range, and deep discounts, especially 70-80% off the manufacturer's retail price (MRP), are often a clear indication of counterfeit products.
2. Flimsy Packaging: High-quality brands invest significantly in their packaging. Counterfeit items typically feature substandard packaging materials, improper fits within boxes, or no packaging at all. This discrepancy in packaging quality is a red flag.
3. Grammatical & Spelling Mistakes: Counterfeit products often exhibit errors in brand names or product information. Deliberate misspellings or grammatical mistakes aim to deceive unsuspecting customers. Careful scrutiny can reveal these discrepancies.
4. Fake Websites: Checking a website's authenticity is crucial for online purchases. Secure websites display 'https' and a lock icon. Tools like 'scamadviser.com' and 'whois.domaintools.com' can help verify a website's legitimacy.
5. Poor Product Quality: Counterfeit products commonly feature inferior materials compared to the authentic ones. Tacky plastics, fake leather, or poor-quality cloth are telltale signs of a fake.
6. Omissions & Mismatches: Authentic products carry specific details like serial numbers or trademarks. Counterfeits often miss or incorrectly replicate these details.
7. Flawed Fonts, Logos: Counterfeit products may have minute variations in logos, fonts, or trademarks. Detailed examination or online comparison with genuine products can reveal these differences.
8. Lack of Contact Details: Authentic products include manufacturer contact details for customer support. Counterfeit products often lack this vital information.
9. Missing Accessories: Authentic products come with all the mentioned accessories. If items like manuals, warranty cards, or essential parts are missing, it might indicate a counterfeit product.
10. Unauthorised Centres: Purchasing from authorized retailers or genuine brand outlets reduces the risk of buying counterfeit items. Verified addresses and contact details of the seller are crucial indicators of authenticity.
These pointers form a comprehensive guide to differentiate genuine products from counterfeit ones, ensuring consumers make informed purchasing decisions across various markets.
