Cell phones can be very expensive, especially if you’re interested in a newer model. Many people try to save money on their phones by purchasing them unlocked from an online seller, swap site, or on Craigslist. In many cases this works, but there are also many examples of people purchasing a phone just to discover that it is a counterfeit.
Tips for Spotting a Fake Phone
When you spend several hundred dollars on a new phone, the last thing you want is to discover that it’s a fake. Take our advice on how to spot a counterfeit phone before you waste your time and money:
- Do your research before you shop so that you’ll be familiar with the phone’s appearance, model number, available colors, features, software, and hardware – you can find this info on the manufacturer’s website.
- Examine the phone closely, looking for minor details, like color, button location, size and spelling of the manufacturer’s name, etc. If any of these are incorrect, the phone is a fake.
- Look for differences in the features you expect from the phone – counterfeits often use dual SIM cards, low-quality cameras, lack GPS function, an so on.
- Test the phone’s operating speed to make sure it is up to par – many counterfeit phones are made from older-generation phones so they have slower processing speeds.
- See whether the phone is still available from the manufacturer – fake phones tend to pop up when the manufacturer sells out or the product becomes otherwise unavailable.
- Look for an International Mobile Equipment Identify (IMEI) number – counterfeit phones usually have a fake IMEI number or no IMEI number at all.
Now that you know how to identify a counterfeit cell phone, you can steer clear. Don’t take for granted that the person selling you the phone is telling the truth – you need to be able to evaluate the authenticity of the phone yourself.
Of course, you can always bring in your phone to PhoneFixation for verification or even meet at the store before making a purchase.
If you have taken the time to do your research before purchasing an authentic cell phone, you want that phone to last. When your phone starts to run slowly, fails to hold a charge, or develops a crack in the screen, you don’t necessarily need to look for a new phone.
Instead, you should consider PhoneFixation in Twin Falls to repair your smartphone or iPhone. Our knowledgeable and experienced technicians have worked with all of the most popular cell phones so they will not only be able to diagnose your problem, but provide you with fast and affordable repairs as well.
