The prices of iPhones are soaring. The latest models of the apple brand exceed 1,000 euros. Faced with rising prices, many consumers are turning to the second-hand market. But beware of unpleasant surprises. Here are some tips for recognizing a real iPhone from a fake..
The points to check before buying the iPhone of your dreams
Apple is one of the most popular phone manufacturers in the world. With more than a billion copies sold worldwide, the iPhone is still one of the benchmarks on the mobile phone market today. It's the device that has completely transformed the way we use a phone. But beware, it is also one of the most counterfeit smartphones.
According to an international study carried out last year, more than one product out of ten sold on the internet is a counterfeit. No sector is spared this scourge, not even Apple. A badly thought out purchase can therefore have serious consequences..
Pay attention to the traps and always remain wary especially if it is an individual. In case of a problem, it will be very difficult to turn against the seller. And don't forget that beautiful photos published on classified ads sites may be hiding a scam.
The progress made by the counterfeiters is such that it is sometimes impossible to differentiate between an original iPhone and a copy at a quick glance. Packaging, shell, false commercial documents, overlay imitating the iOS operating system, criminals think of everything. These Android smartphones disguised as a refurbished iPhone can easily deceive an uninformed consumer..
External appearance
The first thing to do is find out what model of iPhone you plan to buy. Read its technical sheet available on the Apple website and compare the ads offering a similar smartphone. Also always keep in mind that an abnormally low price is usually a sign of forgery.
Once the phone has been found, make an appointment with the seller, explaining that you want to look in detail at the device before buying it. If the latter claims to be in a hurry, go your way. An iPhone hastily sold on the curb in less than two minutes with a seller only interested in money are all indications that may suggest that it is not a real one.
Then take the time to check the box carefully by reading all the inscriptions carefully. If you detect the presence of badly printed photos or misspellings, no doubt you are in the presence of a copy of iPhone.
Then go around the phone. Look at the hull and the finishes. Apple pays special attention to the aesthetics and presentation of its products. The apple logo of the firm must be engraved on the back. Swipe your finger over it to make sure it's not a sticker.
Also check the location of the physical buttons (setting the volume buttons, locking system). If the switches are not where they should be, the iPhone you are holding is a fake.
On the other hand the iPhone, unlike Android smartphones do not have a slot for a memory card (microSD). It is therefore impossible for an Apple smartphone to be equipped with this type of device.
IPhone IMEI number
Apple smartphones like all phones have their own IMEI number. It is a code made up of a series of 15 to 17 digits used to identify each machine. It's a bit like the phone's ID card. It is for example used to check if the iPhone is unlocked.
This serial number is present on the cardboard box of the phone. You can also find it directly in the phone settings. To do this, simply follow the following procedure.
- Open iPhone Settings
- Click on General then on Information
- Then take your smartphone in hand
- Launch the web browser
- Type the following address in the URL field: https://checkcoverage.apple.com/fr/fr/
- Enter the iPhone serial number
If the phone is a counterfeit you will get the following error message: please enter a valid serial number. Also remember to check that the IMEI number corresponds to the model you want to buy.
More and more counterfeits are sold online by unscrupulous sellers. So be particularly careful when shopping on the net especially on sites based in distant lands.