Consumers hoping to purchase products of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) such as the iPhone at a cheaper price from retailers at a mall should be cautious because they might end up owning a fake device.
Two retailers were caught selling fake iPhones: Investigators
The CBS Baltimore reported that the Maryland State Police conducted an anti-counterfeit operation at the Arundel Mills mall, the primary targets being the Cyberion store and S.T. Tech Pros Kiosk. Investigators said that two retailers were selling fake iPhones, iPads, chargers, and other accessories, claiming they were selling the products as original from Apple.
A person identified as Monique Griego said that the retailers are cheating customers by making the design, logo, and serial number of the devices look like they came directly from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL).
Maryland police officer, Greg Shipley said, “These organizations that make these products are using substandard materials. They are doing everything they can to make them look like the real thing.”
According to authorities, they confiscated hundreds of counterfeit Apple products, including iPhones, cellphone conversion kits, iPhone and iPad covers, replacement screens, and different internal parts. The retailers claimed that they are authorized repair shops, but they are using counterfeit parts. Investigators said the retailers voided the warranty provided by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) to consumers.
A related report from ABC 7 News indicated that authorities consulted officials from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) to determine the authenticity of the confiscated products.
Counterfeit products are available in the market
Shipley warned consumers that counterfeit products are available in the market. He said, “You need to be aware these products are out there. They’re being sold; they’re being marketed to young people. They’re inferior, and you could certainly lose some significant money over that.”
According to the police, People selling forged or imitations of the original products attract consumers with cheaper prices, but the quality is poor. Experts said fake products are lighter and the packaging could be a dead giveaway.
The attorney general in Maryland plans to file a lawsuit against the counterfeiters.
Last April, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) discovered a scam involving its warranties in China wherein five electronics stores in the country were arrested for using fake components to repair iPhone devices, and using the original components sent to them by the tech giant to build new iPhones and sell them for profit.
