With the rise of online marketplaces, we have seen a significant rise in the sale of counterfeit goods – and none more prevalent right now than the seemingly “new” Apple iPhone deals.
The allure is obvious, a brand-new iPhone, still in its box, for a price that seems too good to be true, is your first and most crucial red flag. “Cheap” iPhones are popping up on Facebook Marketplace and similar sites. They often look the part, but scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find a hollow imitation.
How to Spot a Fake iPhone:
• The Price is a Dead Giveaway (Always): If a brand new, sealed iPhone 15 Pro Max is being offered for £300, walk away, immediately. Apple products hold their value, even second-hand, a genuine iPhone, especially a recent model, will command a respectable price.
• Be Wary of “Sealed Box” Sales: While a sealed box might seem reassuring, it’s easily faked. Insist on opening the box and inspecting the phone before parting with any money. A legitimate seller will understand this.
• The Packaging: Look for Flaws:
o Shrink Wrap: Is it tight and professionally applied, or loose, bubbly, or even absent? Apple’s packaging is immaculate.
o Text and Logos: Examine the font, spelling, and clarity of the Apple logo and product descriptions. Fakes often have slightly off fonts, blurred images, or even typos.
o Stickers and Labels: Are the serial number stickers crisp and securely attached? Do they match the phone’s claimed specifications?
The New phone itself: Don’t be afraid to inspect:
o Weight and Feel: Genuine iPhones have a distinct weight and premium feel. Fakes often feel lighter, more plasticky, and cheaper.
o Screen Quality: Is the display vibrant, crisp, and responsive? Fake screens often have poor resolution, dull colours, and are less sensitive to touch.
o Buttons and Ports: Check the quality and feel of the power button, volume buttons, and charging port. Do they feel solid or wobbly?
o The Apple Logo: On genuine iPhones, the Apple logo on the back is usually embedded and feels smooth. On fakes, it might be a sticker or poorly printed.
• Operating System (Red flag): This is where many fakes fall apart. When you turn on the phone, does it truly run iOS?
o App Store vs. Google Play: A common fake will run a skinned version of Android, trying to mimic iOS. Try to open the “App Store.” If it takes you to Google Play, it’s a fake.
o Siri: Try to activate Siri. If it doesn’t respond or activates a generic voice assistant, you’ve got a problem.
• Check the IMEI/Serial Number (Do This BEFORE Meeting): Ask the seller for the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) or serial number before you even consider meeting them. You can then check this on Apple’s official website or other reliable IMEI checker sites to verify if it’s a genuine Apple product and its warranty status. If the seller refuses or makes excuses, walk away.
• The Charger and Accessories: Often overlooked, but crucial. Fake iPhones usually come with cheap, poorly made, unbranded, or generic chargers and cables. These can be dangerous too, posing fire risks.
• Insist on Powering On and Thorough Inspection: Do not, under any circumstances, buy a phone that is not fully powered on and allowed for you to inspect thoroughly. Check all the points mentioned above.
• Check Seller Profiles: On platforms like Facebook Marketplace, look at the seller’s profile. How long have they been a member? Do they have other items for sale? Are there any reviews? A newly created profile with no history is a red flag.
If you believe you may have been a victim of a scam, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
Report to Police Scotland directly by calling 101 or online via Contact Police Scotland – Police Scotland Every report assists police investigations, provides intelligence, informs national alerts that protect all communities, disrupts criminals and reduces harm.
In the UK you can forward scam text message to OFCOM on 7726 (free of charge), and forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk
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