Brand new but not authentic Samsung S21 Ultra

[omcstart]

Be very careful buying brand new Samsung smartphones from eBay sellers registered in China! Just got rid of the fake one (Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra). Paid almost $500. Shame on the seller!
It is becoming harder and harder to distinguish the original from fake (or replica) one. Always check the IMEI and its relation to SW and model number printed on the package. The information of IMEI, SW and model number MUST MATCH.

[omcstart]

Some photos....

[bonjourami]

You are an experienced Ebayer, surprising that you didnt know that electronics are the number one faked item coming out of China. Sometimes, a bargain is not a bargain.

[tinsoldierunderground]

Among the unscrupulous sellers in China, it's considered great sport to get one over on the gwai lo, a derogatory term for anyone not Asian or not of Asian decent.   

[tinsoldierunderground]

should read descent*

[mudshark61369]

@omcstart,

Not one major brand name company who has anything made in China, allows their items to be sold by Chinese or China based sellers internationally. It doesn't matter if the item is actually made in Vietnam, Japan, S.Korea... etc. They are not licensed to sell them.

  Of course the chicom govt. doesn't care about little things like international copyright or patent laws, and nothing happens in that country without Govt. consent. They do like getting Yankee dollars from unsuspecting Di Deng ren, Yi jiaotu, Yuchun de ren... though. Those are just 3 more of the many derogatory terms they have for us. 

[aproudparent2010]

Coming from China would have been a huge distinguishing factor....

[uc2919]

A "brand new but not authentic" Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra typically refers to a counterfeit or fake device that is designed to resemble the genuine Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, but is not produced or authorized by Samsung. Counterfeit devices like this can be found in the market and are often designed to deceive consumers into thinking they are purchasing a genuine product, when in reality, they are getting a lower-quality imitation.

There are several risks associated with purchasing counterfeit devices:

1. Poor Build Quality and Performance: Counterfeit devices are often made with substandard materials and components, leading to lower build quality and potentially poorer performance compared to genuine products. This can result in a frustrating user experience and issues with the device's functionality.

2. Security Risks: Counterfeit devices may lack proper security features and software updates, leaving them vulnerable to security breaches and malware attacks. Your personal data could be at risk if you use a counterfeit device.

3. Lack of Warranty and Support: Since counterfeit devices are not genuine products, they do not come with the manufacturer's warranty or official customer support. If you encounter any issues with the device, you won't be able to seek assistance from Samsung.

4. Legal Implications: Purchasing, selling, or using counterfeit products can have legal consequences, as it involves intellectual property rights infringement and violation of trademark laws.

To avoid purchasing counterfeit devices:

1. Buy from Authorized Retailers: Purchase your electronics from reputable and authorized retailers, both online and in physical stores.

2. Check Packaging and Labels: Examine the packaging, labels, and logos closely. Counterfeit products often have inconsistencies in design and quality.

3. Compare Specifications: Research the genuine specifications of the device and compare them with what the seller is offering. Significant deviations might indicate a counterfeit product.

4. Beware of Suspiciously Low Prices: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Counterfeit devices are often sold at significantly lower prices than genuine products.

5. Read Reviews and Do Research: Look for reviews and information from trusted sources before making a purchase. If the product has a history of negative reviews or complaints, it might be a red flag.

Remember, it's always better to invest in a genuine product from a reputable source to ensure you're getting a high-quality device with proper support and security features.

[omcstart]

Not all so easy.

-- The seller sells from California.
-- Seller registration country becomes  not so easy to find.

-- His store has a great feedback.

-- The seller has good communication.

-- The phone listing has 27 sales already.

-- The phone listing itself has a few good feedbacks already.

-- The price is not so low and suspicious because it is a old model.

I felt the fraud very soon after I paid the money and asked to cancel the order. However, as expected from a

scammer, he simply wrote that the item had already been shipped and rejected the cancelling request.

I'm not saying they send a cheap $50 copy or replica. It can also be a device assembled in an illegal workshop from a few original parts and cheap components. Such "Frankensteins" will look like the originals to the untrained eye and later many of buyers will complain on public forums and blame the original manufacturer, not the scammer who sent him a fake.

Even if a person is satisfied with the work of such a device, big problems can arise due to a fake IMEI.

[omcstart]

​ Such scammers often do not propagate they in reality ship from China. The listings says they ship from California, New Jersey, New York...