The Problem – Fake Devices
Something that TMTI has become heavily involved in with our support partners, is developing processes and tools to assist them to identify fake devices such mobile phones in their returns chain.
We’ve helped develop simple, fast and effective tools to detect the differences between genuine and fake devices. These tools can be rolled out on mass to retailers as a first line of defence to fraudulent product returns.
With the high value of mobile phones, the criminal networks around us are finding more and more cunning ways to make money from this market. Fake mobile phones are getting far easier to acquire and harder to discern from the real thing. The unwary could easily be duped into paying out good money, only to find later to have walked away with not what they were expecting!
As well as our fraud tools, our collective research and knowledge have helped us identify many features in these fakes that benefits both our clients but also anyone buying a 2nd hand phone.
Here are some tips on not falling foul of these criminals.
Payment Safety Tips to Avoid Buying a Fake Device
If possible, only purchase from known retailers and sellers, research where you are buying your mobile from. Even then be super vigilant and use a payment method that has scam protection.
Where possible use a credit card to pay
- Use a credit card for payments (if you have one). Many of these protect online purchases as part of the Consumer Credit Act.
- Debit card payments offer less protection, but you might be able to make a claim for a refund under a voluntary scheme called ‘chargeback’.
- If you use payment services such as PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay, check their ‘terms & conditions’ to see what cover they provide.
- Never pay by direct bank transfer.
(Source UK Gov.)
Key Signs a Mobile Phone May Be Fake
Know what you are looking at. Research the device you are going to purchase, particularly the obscure things that someone faking a device may not consider. For example, the position of the lenses, shape of the body corners, how curved are the edges etc. Are the SIM drawers in the right place, does it have the correct number of speakers and are they where they should be?
Is the build quality of the device what you would expect? Fake devices often have poorly fitting buttons; use inferior materials for the camera lenses, body and screen glass.
Also, don’t forget the packaging. If you have access to it, check the device sits in the box correctly, is it well constructed, is the printing clear and properly aligned? Does it have the correct logos? Is the IMEI and barcodes intact or have they been ripped away?
Will it switch on? Obviously don’t purchase a device without seeing it run. If it does, is it using the correct operating system? If it’s a fake iPhone, it may be using an Apple iOS look-a-like Android operating system. To check the voracity of the operating system, try the App Store from the desktop icon. Does it go to the Google Play Store rather than the Apple App Store? Same thing for the Maps App, if you tap the map icon, does it go to the non-Apple version?
The Importance of IMEI Verification
IMEI numbers. Each phone has a unique long digit number assigned to it called an IMEI. These can be used to permanently lock the handset associated with it, meaning if a phone is stolen it can be ‘bricked’ (permanently locked so it can no longer be used). These unique numbers are printed on the box and programmed into the mobile phone. The printed number and the internal number will be identical, to find the internal number:
- On the mobile phone dial *#06# This will display the IMEI number and works on nearly all mobile phones to immediately display the number on-screen.
- Settings Menu (Android): Go to Settings > About Phone (or Status).
- Settings Menu (iPhone): Go to Settings > General > About.
When a Deal Looks Too Good to Be True
Is the deal too good to be believed?
If it is, be on your guard! Be prepared to walk away, better that than to purchase a fake.
These are just a few tips that we can share from things we have noticed through our investigations. If you are a retailer and wish to talk to someone about stopping fake mobile devices before they enter your returns system, we have many more tool and tricks up our sleeves than just these common sense checks.
To find out more about how we can help you, and the tools we have on offer, please get in touch via our contact page.
