Table of Contents
Counterfeit tech gadgets are common in Nigeria, especially in the complexes where the gadgets are sold. The No. 1 example of a complex that sells fake gadgets in Nigeria is Computer Village in Lagos. Meanwhile, as a gadget lover, if you're not careful, you'll end up purchasing fake gadgets such as phones, laptops, AirPods, and more.
The reasons counterfeit gadgets are many in Nigeria are because the gadgets are shipped into Nigeria mostly from China and are sold to people as outright clones, refurbished items sold as brand new, or gadgets with fake software and swapped-out parts.
It's only in Nigeria you'll see a phone labelled "Tecno," and when you turn it on, it'll display "itel." However, it's important to note that these counterfeit gadgets are not just a waste of money; they're also frustrating. I remembered when I bought one of these counterfeit phones at Computer Village in Lagos; the phone was installed with fake Huawei software, fake storage, and fake RAM.
The phone began to develop a fault the second day I bought it. The battery goes from 80% to 2% to memory full when I haven't used up to one quarter of the claimed memory. It's worth noting that Nigerians lose billions annually to fake gadgets, with some reports highlighting that up to 40% of tech gadgets in the market are counterfeit.
Meanwhile, beyond the financial losses counterfeit gadgets bring to the victims, they can also put the lives of victims at risk in the sense that fake chargers can develop electrical faults in no time, leading to the burning down of a complete building. We cannot say all the consequences of having counterfeit gadgets because of time, and they'll be too-long stories. But, we'll help you avoid falling victim.
How to Check Gadgets' Authenticity in Nigeria
Follow the steps explained below to check whether the tech gadget you're about to buy is authentic or not.
Related Posts
1. Check the Packaging and Branding
Unless you're looking for refurbished or fairly used gadgets to buy. But if you're looking for a brand-new gadget, then it's mandatory to check packaging and branding carefully so that you'll not end up buying a fake gadget. Note that original devices always come in sealed and branded boxes with clear printing on them.
So, when purchasing a brand-new gadget in Nigeria, it's important to watch out for the following factors to ensure that you're making payments for the original products:
- Blurry Logo
- Broken Seal
- No Seal or plain packaging
- Errors in Brand Spelling
- Cheap stickers instead of engraved or printed branding.
Once all the packaging and branding are checked, unbox the product and inspect the gadget itself. Let's assume it's a smartphone; the look will shine brand new, the screen will feel like glass, not plastic, and its follow-come accessories, such as the charger, earpieces, and (screen guide and pouch if applicable), will also feel sturdy and fit properly.
2. Check the Standard Price of the Gadget
Price differences can reveal whether a gadget (like a phone) is counterfeit. This is why you should check for the price from different vendors before you conclude to make a purchase. It's not necessary that you stick to one seller; you can ask around or check the maker's online store for the official price.
Counterfeit gadgets are usually cheaper than the standard/official price because the makers use lower-quality parts and cut corners. However, some counterfeit sellers set the price similar to or only slightly lower to make it look more “realistic.”
In some markets, counterfeit gadgets may be 20% to 50% cheaper than original gadgets. Wherever you see this kind of gadget, avoid it immediately unless they're refurbished or fairly used products. It's a red flag that the gadget is fake.
3. Check the IMEI and Software
Every phone has a unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. The IMEI number is a unique 15-digit code assigned to each device used by networks and authorities to distinguish one device from another, even if they're the same model.
Checking the IMEI on the manufacturer’s website can confirm whether the phone is original or fake. If the IMEI on the phone doesn’t match the box or system records, that’s a red flag.
In addition to that, scammers may alter the software to make a device appear to have more storage or RAM than it actually does. Don’t rely solely on the ‘About Phone’ screen—always verify the IMEI for confirmation.
To get your phone's IMEI number, dial *#06#, and the IMEI number will be displayed as shown in the image below.
After getting the IMEI number, you can verify the details on the phone's website or visit IMEI.info on your web browser to check. On the page, type the device IMEI number and click on "Check." If the phone is original, you'll see results as shown in the image below.
If the info gotten from the IMEI check is not the same as the phone on the phone, then it's a fake or counterfeit product.
4. Ask if the Seller will issue a Receipt or Warrant.
The receipt shows proof of ownership, and the warranty shows the retailer's trust. Trusted retailers like SLOT usually give at least a 1-year warranty and a return policy. So, if the seller is not willing to give any of this, don't buy the gadget; it's probably a counterfeit.
In addition to that, if the gadget seller is pushing you to make payment or getting angry at you when you're trying to test or inspect the device, that's probably a red flag of a fake gadget. A reliable seller should treat you like the customer that you are. Not giving you mood swings.
Furthermore, you also need to be taking serious precautions with all these gadgets' complexes because there are also market tricks that'll lure you into falling victim to fake gadgets. After testing a device, keep it in your possession—don’t allow the seller to take it away to repackage. Once you’ve paid, leave the market right away with your purchase.
5. Use Brand Tool to Check Authenticity
Big gadget makers like Samsung, Tecno, Apple, HP, Dell, Nokia, and Infinix already have verification tools in place to check the authenticity of their products. HP laptops, for instance, come with a hologram or QR code on the box. The buyer can easily scan this QR code or enter the serial number on HP’s website to verify the originality of the device.
A similar verification method is applicable to other manufacturers. You can either check the authenticity of the product through IMEI, QR code, or serial number on their online portals. For the QR code, just scan the code using your phone camera, and you'll be taken to the portal instantly. If the device's details don’t show up, don’t buy it. It's probably a counterfeit product.
Here are other device verification methods by different manufacturers you can explore to check the originality of a particular gadget.
| Manufacturer | Product Type | Verification Method | Official Portal/Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | Phones, Laptops | IMEI/Serial Number | checkcoverage.apple.com, mysupport.apple.com |
| HP | Laptops, Desktops, Printers | IMEI/Serial Number | support.hp.com/emea_africa-en/check-warranty |
| Samsung | Phones, Laptops | IMEI/Serial Number | samsung.com/africa_en/support/warranty |
| Tecno | Phones | IMEI Number | Dialling *#06# or checking the box |
In the end, fake gadgets remain a real challenge in Nigeria, but consumers aren’t powerless. With these market wisdoms we've shared, official tools available to verify products we've unveiled, and a bit of purchasing caution, you should be able to spot fake gadgets.
By buying from trusted sources, double-checking prices, and confirming authenticity before purchase, you can protect yourself from all these scammers selling counterfeit gadgets in Nigeria. The more people take these simple steps, the less room counterfeit tech has to thrive.
