Whirlpool

Beware of fake iphones on ebay!! The fake iphone 3G have been selling on ebay.
You can't really tell the different between fake and real one from the picture, because they are 99% similar. Some doggy sellers even use the picture of original iphones and send the fake iphone 3g instead.

I purchased 2 from ebay last week, however the seller has been suspend. I got the online tracking from paypal shows the item was sent from China few days ago and it's on the way to Australia.

I am sure that the listing says item location was in QLD not CHINA! The listing stated that the Brand new APPLE IPHONE 3G 16gb officially unlocked!!! The listing has been removed from ebay due to seller's suspend.

I bought 2 iphones for $1650. The doggy seller sent me the money request from paypal directly without the ebay item numbers, because i asked him to combine the postage, therefore he sent me the invoice from paypal directly. Sure the doggy seller knows how to play with paypal. I contacted paypal and they said this is not covered by paypal buyer's protection policy due to seller did not inc. the ebay item numbers. The only way to file a dispute is to contact my credit card company.

The parcel is on the way from China to Australia and I don't expect them to be the original iphone as there is no original iphone 3G in China !!

Paypal suggest me to sign for the parcel and contact my credit card company as paypal does not offer protection for this transaction even i receive the fake iphones.

I am not sure what to do at this stage as I don't know whether the credit card company offer protection for online shopping .

Any suggestion?

momo1227 writes...

I am not sure what to do at this stage as I don't know whether the credit card company offer protection for online shopping .

Many do, check it out with ur bank. Sorry to hear it. BTW why not just buy from Oz?

Thanks, will check with ANZ.

The seller is registered in Australia. Item location " Brisbane , QLD" . The listing never mentioned that item will be sent from China!!

momo1227 writes...

Thanks, will check with ANZ.

The seller is registered in Australia. Item location " Brisbane , QLD" . The listing never mentioned that item will be sent from China!!

Fair enough – all sounds reasonably above board... But why not by from a carrier?

I report an average of 5 counterfeit iPhones a day to eBay. They only seem to remove the listings at the last minute, if at all. I am watching 150-200 iPhones at any one time so I guess that means about 2% to 3% counterfeits on eBay?

Until a few weeks ago I was able to contact the winning bidders to warn them they had bought a fake. I received a lot of thanks from all of them. However, eBay have now blocked this by making the winning bidders anonymous.

You say "he sent me the invoice from paypal directly. Sure the doggy seller knows how to play with paypal. I contacted paypal and they said this is not covered by paypal buyer's protection policy due to seller did not inc. the ebay item numbers. The only way to file a dispute is to contact my credit card company."

PayPal is covered by Australian legislation. Just make a PayPal claim. Of course you should also go to your bank and fill in the form to reverse the credit card payment to PayPal.

I made a similar payment in response to a PayPal payment request. Fortunately I did not have to make a claim or stop/reverse the payment. However, before I made the payment I checked with my bank (my visa credit card issuer) and PayPal's 1800 number. They confirmed that if I did not receive the item, or it was significantly not as described, I would still be covered and could claim the payment back.

I did call paypal to check the buyer's protection policy. They said that as long as seller can provide the proof of dispatch i won't be able to claim item not recieved. Item not as decribed is not covered by paypal due to the seller did not send the payment request through ebay or put ebay item number.

They will release the fund once i signed for the parcel. I really don't want to sign for the parcel but paypal suggest me to sign for the parcel and report this to my credit card issuer.

or should I just report this to Australia customs to stop the parcel since i know there are fake iphones.

A3 Australia writes...

They confirmed that if I did not receive the item, or it was significantly not as described,

The q is though as they are fake 'iphones' are they significantly different?

momo1227 writes...

The seller is registered in Australia.

did you check his feefback before bid? I saw 1 fake 2 months ago, they name it IFONE....

the seller has 74 postive feedback.

momo1227 writes...

the seller has 74 postive feedback

this was not your mistake, if i was you i could be trapped as well.
74 feedback, are they all in PRIVATE or VIEW ITEMS?

i not buy iphone online because number of defected iphone, my family and friends 10 iphones and 2 of them have hardware problem have to sent back for warranty...what's exactly problem, they don't tell me, this reason why i buy from friend or retail store only for warranty purpose..

momo1227 writes...

I am not sure what to do at this stage as I don't know whether the credit card company offer protection for online shopping .

Once I had a similar problem and all I had to do was go to the bank, explain the problem, and the teller lady was really friendly, said this sort of thing happens all the time, she lodged a dispute on their computer system, and she explained this locked the funds in limbo while the Visa company investigates, then within a few week I got a letter from Visa through my bank saying the transaction has been refunded in full. Great service.

I think it makes sense credit card companies protect their users to encourage online spending :) In my experience only a small amount of online shopping goes wrong (for me anyway) so it makes sense no?

I would not sign for it and file a dispute with paypal. But if youre curious and have to sign for it so you can see what you were sent, do so and contact the bank immediately.
I think it would be easier to file with paypal. I would definitely not sign for it and file the dispute with them (although Id never buy something like that from ebay, its too risky they do the same thing with designer goods – post a pic of a real item then send a fake)

A3 Australia writes...

I am watching 150-200 iPhones at any one time

Why, Just why?

Cant Momo1227 do a chargeback through his credit card company?

You asked "Why, Just why?" I am watching 150-200 iPhones at any one time.

Because I am buying reasonably priced 3G and any cheap working and/or cheap and damaged 2G iPhones.

So I need to 'watch' them in my eBay account, as I do not bid until the last few minutes of an auction.

eBay have a limit of 200 items in ones 'watch' list. There is always between 150 and 300 iPhones on eBay at any one time.

I purchased something from China a little while ago, and also had the seller suspended after the item was dispatched. I contact them about it (via direct email) and they said the item was sent and I should get it soon. Suer enough item arrived – genuine and no issues.

So don't lose all hope.

Hi!

Here is an example that just sold on eBay minutes ago.

Item number: 260320315098

It was a 5 day listing. I reported it to eBay on the first day. I made two or three follow-up reports when it was not removed. For some reason eBay allowed the item to be sold.

Under the new eBay conditions where the winning bidder is identified only as "bidder 7", there is no way to warn them.

Hopefully, they will pay by PayPal.

Here is another counterfeit.

Item number: 130271265768

The seller even sent me a fake IMEI number 356988010037972 and "a88" as the Part Number when I asked for the phones "Part No." and IMEI number!

It has been listed since Nov 24th – I have reported it three times and eBay have not removed it.

Not to defend the ebay seller but more to give the OP a little hope.

The iPhone is made in China, maybe these fell off the back of a truck. The other possibility is that the phone is a HK sourced phone, those are sold unlocked.

Either way, if worst happens, it looks like you paid with CC into PayPal, so you should be able to do a chargeback after the phone arrives. I would suggest that you save all your emails and take screenshots of whatever else is there still. You will need evidence.

That screenshot on that entry is deffo a fake, it's not even remotely the same as the ipod interface on the iphone.

heh, 2 batteries and a dual sim in a sealed box?

I hope I am not hijacking the thread – but it is about counterfeit iPhones on eBay.

How about this one?

Item number: 140284929458

The seller tells me he has a warehouse of them. He seems to think they are genuine? I have found that as well as being dishonest the sellers are either 'thick as bricks' or pretend to be.

Again eBay have not removed the item, but I find that even when they do, it takes a minimum of three days.

A3 Australia writes...

Here is another counterfeit.

Item number: 130271265768

If anyone buys that when the description says:
2x Batteries
1GB memory card

And they dont ask any questions then I guess they really get what they pay for. Anyone who actually wants an iphone would know enough about them to know it doesnt use a memory card nor is the battery interchangeable (without alot of effort)

A3 Australia writes...

The seller tells me he has a warehouse of them. He seems to think they are genuine? I have found that as well as being dishonest the sellers are either 'thick as bricks' or pretend to be.

Does allow pickup.

I got mine of ebay (2g) and made sure that pickup was available, no way i'd be dumb enough to send 800 bucks over the internet on the off chance the goods were as described.

Here is another one.

Item number: 140284999875

If you feel strongly about this, just create a new ebay account and bid $5000 on each fake iPhone and never pay.

If ebay complain, just tell them its fake and I'm not paying!

The sellers will get the idea in the end!

Cheers

A3 Australia writes...

How about this one?

Item number: 140284929458

the photo looks to include a bit more than whats in a normal iphone box...

whats the white cord and block thing on the left (looks like a shuffle??), and the large black thing below the iphone?

also, the iphone looks to have a smaller screen than my iphone... genuine iphones will have the screen almost all the way down to the home button.

A3 Australia writes...

Item number: 140284929458

it's ended, but seller allow pick up, so should not be A problem...if not the one you want ...DON'T PAY.

A3 Australia writes...

Because I am buying reasonably priced 3G and any cheap working and/or cheap and damaged 2G iPhones.

Why do you need so many phones? and more so why do you spend so much time dobbing in dodgy ebay'rs? Do you work for eBay? Or do you have no life?

**Mafaroo** writes...

Or do you have no life?

ease up dude... he's doing something to try to help others. no need to diss him for it.

brad-> writes...

ease up dude... he's doing something to try to help others. no need to diss him for it.

I didn't mean it as bad as it sounds, I am just wondering why someone would be watching 200 phones on eBay.

I agree he is doing a good thing, but why would someone do this, seems like a lot of work if you ask me and for what?

A3 Australia writes...

The seller even sent me a fake IMEI number 356988010037972 and "a88" as the Part Number when I asked for the phones "Part No." and IMEI number! Just spoke to Carrie W via Ebay online assistance and she assurred me it will be removed.

A3 Australia writes...

How about this one?

Item number: 140284929458

That one had no bids so ended at 99c + $15 postage.... even if it is fake still might have been worth it? Im gonna check that guy out now!

t3h n00b writes...

That one had no bids so ended at 99c + $15 postage.... even if it is fake still might have been worth it?

The item page said:

The seller ended this listing early because the item is no longer available for sale.

So no one actually won it at that price...

brad-> writes...

The item page said:

The seller ended this listing early because the item is no longer available for sale.

So no one actually won it at that price...

Not worth it then. Just looking out for a bargain :)

A3 Australia writes...

Here is another counterfeit.

Item number: 130271265768

The seller even sent me a fake IMEI number 356988010037972 and "a88" as the Part Number when I asked for the phones "Part No." and IMEI number!

It has been listed since Nov 24th – I have reported it three times and eBay have not removed it.

That is defiantly a fake IMEI – The values add up to 105 so to make them divisible by 10 the check digit should be 5 not 2. I like the Question and Answer on that one:

Question: Hi! Ah... how do I say this? ARE YOU FREAKING NUTS? Yes, I guess that would cover it? You are looking at serious jail time, and huge fines. Fraud, selling counterfeit goods, supplying electrical items with no valid A-Tick and a fake IMEI number. You had better hope no sucker buys your fake before eBay remove the listing. You could get an even worse rating than 75%.

Answer: IMEI#: 356988010037972 This is not a stolen item and I would appreciate it if you would keep your sticky nose out of things you know nothing about!

t3h n00b writes...

Not worth it then. Just looking out for a bargain :)

lol .. arent we all!! :D

edit: reopened due to popular demand

Latest counterfeit on eBay

Item number: 300277318064

Reported to eBay on 30th Nov. and 1st Dec.

Another?

Item number: 180310675248

/forum-replies.cfm?t=1097331#r10

Thanks for reopening the thread Lunchguy.

Apart from the obvious (spare batteries for instance) what other giveaways are there for fake phones on Ebay, I don't want to start bidding on one and get stung.

How the hell are they able to get away with this ?????????

I just sent a question about one listing (My spelling and gramatical errors were intentional):

Hi, I noted that the auction says that the fone has a second batery. Doz this meen I can replace th battery in the Iphone when it go flat? I am after a new Ifone as I left the last one in my pants and it waz washed. How long do battery last on the fone when used?

The reply was:
Yes, all iphone battery are replaceable. Slide the back cover off, and battery come out and put charged battery back in for full cahrged phone. Batteries usualy last 5 to 7 days between charging so 2 battery will last you almost 2 weeks

Um, yep, right, sure

^ Doesn't say much for eBay :(

Ebay are happy to take the fees of the sellers as I'd imagine there would be a high turnover of fakes.

momo1227 writes...

I contacted paypal and they said this is not covered by paypal buyer's protection policy due to seller did not inc. the ebay item numbers. The only way to file a dispute is to contact my credit card company.

Classic PayPal. Banners everywhere telling you of "buyer protection" but when push comes to shove – they shove a heap of excuses in your face.

And PayPal wonders why everyone cracked the sh!ts when people petitioned the ACCC that they be the only payment method for eBay auctions be reversed!

This whole sorry story has really blown my confidence in eBay (not that I would ever buy an expensive item there).

What exactly is Paypal using as an out from their responsibilities in this transaction?

Arnutts writes...

This whole sorry story has really blown my confidence in eBay (not that I would ever buy an expensive item there).

EBay, PayPal, China – just a whole pack of bottom-dwellers trying to scam your cash.

Kiint writes...

Apart from the obvious (spare batteries for instance) what other giveaways are there for fake phones on Ebay, I don't want to start bidding on one and get stung.

Sometimes the Buy-it-Now price.

If they use pictures of their counterfeit item:-
The screen size, space betwwen base of screen and Home key.
The mini USB connector instead of 30pin Apple dock connector.
The box having half circles cut out either side to ease its opening.
The box having wrong picture (details etc.) on it.
Sometimes the rear (if shown) is not the same as a genuine iPhone.

Always get, and check the IMEI number. The counterfeits almost always have fake/duplicated IMEI numbers starting with 35 not 01

Always get the Part No. and compare to Australian/New Zealand part numbers.

Their replies to questions. Eg Playing dumb/stupid/clueless (however, they usually really are dumb/stupid/clueless). Being evasive and not forthcoming with replies. Plain not giving you the Part No. and IMEI numbers.

Hi guys and gals,

What do you think about this one?

Item number: 250335444546

And the sellers reply to my request for Part No. and IMEI number?
It took a bit of back and forth to get this reply.

"IMEI number of this phone is 359696014464459 not sure what u mean by the model number though. sorry about that"

Here is my report on that IMEI

Information on IMEI 359696014464459

Type Allocation Holder Samsung
Mobile Equipment Type Samsung SGH-U700
GSM Implementation Phase 2/2+

Information on range assignment
Est. Date of Range Issuance Around Q4 2007
Reporting Body British Approvals Board of Telecommunications (BABT)
Primary Market Europe
Legal Basis for Allocation EU R&TTE Directive

Information on number format
Full IMEI Presentation 359696-01-446445-9
Reporting Body Identifier 35
Type Allocation Code 35969601
Serial Number 446445
Check Digit 9

A3 Australia writes...

Type Allocation Holder Samsung
Mobile Equipment Type Samsung SGH-U700
GSM Implementation Phase 2/2+

Well theres your answer

A3 Australia writes...

What do you think about this one?

Ask them what the barcode is? The fact that there are no pics of the actual device rings alarm bells!

Here is a database for EAN numbers:
http://www.ean-search.org/

t3h n00b writes...

Ask them what the barcode is? The fact that there are no pics of the actual device rings alarm bells!

No need for that.

It took a lot just to get an IMEI from him, and that was a fake/duplicate.

It is well known that the Chinese counterfeits use fake/duplicated IMEI numbers.

The Part No. identifies the market for which the iPhone was made.

I am pushing him to reveal a Part No. but he can't as fake iPhones don't really have one.

A3 Australia writes...

Latest counterfeit on eBay
Item number: 300277318064

There is positive feedback for that seller (on the 29th) for one of those!

A3 Australia writes...

Here is my report on that IMEI

is there a database where you can find this info?

So to what degree are they counterfeit as opposed to simply copies? Do they connect to iTunes and run iPhone software, or are they just look-alikes with their own operating system etc?

M Rockatansky writes...

Latest counterfeit on eBay
Item number: 300277318064

There is positive feedback for that seller (on the 29th) for one of those!

Yes! Strange that. Very strange when you check deeper.

Item sold midnight 28th. 10 hours and 40 minutes later the buyer leaves the Positive feedback! Very quick payment, confirmation of details, packing, postage and delivery.

~Pound Puppy~ writes...

or are they just look-alikes with their own operating system etc?

just look alikes, not a big deal in itself, when they try and pass them off as the real thing though that's another matter

Have you heard of Dropshipping?

Most of your "IPHONES" will be comming from here

http://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.511

I'm sure many people from WP know DX, there is a thread here somewhere...

~Pound Puppy~ writes...

So to what degree are they counterfeit as opposed to simply copies? Do they connect to iTunes and run iPhone software, or are they just look-alikes with their own operating system etc?

I don't think it really matters.

The sellers are passing them off as genuine Apple iPhones. Whatever they are. Ergo they are counterfeits. Some are nothing like a real iPhone. Some look very much like an iPhone.

However, no. None of them have the Apple 30pin interface. None can interface with iTunes. None run the Apple iPhone 'operating system'.

I received the item. It's not even a fake iphone but a pair of fake PRADA shoes for $1650!!! Beware of doggy sellers on ebay!! Now need to send paypal the picture of fake shoes and file a chargeback from credit card issuer.

The IMEI number of iphones should start with 0116 or 0117 ( 0117 is latest model)
I forgot to ask the seller the series number. You can actually check the series number at www.apple.com check the warranty status. the website will tell you the balance of warranty.

~Pound Puppy~ writes...

So to what degree are they counterfeit as opposed to simply copies? Do they connect to iTunes and run iPhone software,

No, they don't run anything of the sort that is compatible with Apple OS.

It's just some Windows Mobile lookablike garbage, with a frontend that makes it look like the Apple homescreen.

momo1227 writes...

I received the item. It's not even a fake iphone but a pair of fake PRADA shoes for $1650!!! Beware of doggy sellers on ebay!! Now need to send paypal the picture of fake shoes and file a chargeback from credit card issuer.

Are they your size? Sorry!

I guess the seller used Registered Mail or some method that allows them to say to PayPal "look I sent the iPhone parcel, and he received the parcel. Here is the tracking number."

The IMEI number of iphones should start with 0116 or 0117 ( 0117 is latest model)
I forgot to ask the seller the series number. You can actually check the series number at www.apple.com check the warranty status. the website will tell you the balance of warranty.

I think you mean the "serial number"? All you can do with the serial number is – see when the iPhone left the factory in Shenzen, and check how much warranty time is left (via the Apple web site, as you mentioned).

The IMEI number I think is the most helpful. It tells you if it really is an Apple iPhone, and if it is a 2G or a 3G. It is very difficult for a seller to give you a fake IMEI that checks out as a real 2G or 3G iPhone. All he can do is send you one from a real iPhone. I always ask "please send me the IMEI number of the actual phone you are selling". Then if the phone you receive does not have the same IMEI number you have a valid reason for a PayPal claim.

The Part No. is also very useful. It can identify the market, if the phone could be 'factory unlocked' and/or if it can be legally unlocked.

Are you going to eMail or call PayPal? Please keep us informed regarding their response, and how long it takes to get a refund.

jok11n writes...

A3 Australia writes...

Here is my report on that IMEI

is there a database where you can find this info?

Yes. I hope it is OK to post this link?

http://www.numberingplans.com/?page=analysis&sub=imeinr

With all due respect, its usually easy to find dodgy / fake ebay sellers selling supposively real "iphones". Here's the current list of real iphones and prices on ebay – http://phones.shop.ebay.com.au/items/Mobile-Phones__W0QQBrand3d75b67ZAppleiPhoned58cc62bQQLHQ5fBINZ1QQLHQ5fIncludeSIFZ1QQ_dmptZAUQ5fMobileQ5fPhonesQQ_flnZ1QQ_mdoZPhonesQQ_pcatsZ3286QQ_sacatZ14409QQ_scZ1QQ_sopZ12QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em283QQ_qiZRTM509653

You would hav been better off buying the iPhone from Australia. I dont know why you risked it.

Ebay is rife with idiots like that. Anyone tried Oztion (www.oztion.com.au)? It's an Aussie only auction site, and it doesn't have the numbers that Ebay has, but its getting there thanks to Ebays feedback changes for sellers and the PayPal only thing. There are more steps involved in validating a user. You can sign up but you need to validate your CC, phone number, etc. Worth a look as there are some bargains there are a lot of Aussie ebay sellers have migrated because of all of ebays problems.

Its not hard to pick these fakes, dodgy pictures, the words "Apple iPhone 3G not being displayed on the packaging, product shots showing standard mini-b usb connector etc. Its easy to pick out the fakes.

Hi!

A little help please!

An eBay scammer, who was listing "Item number: 250335444546" previously mentioned in this thread, has now re-listed as Item number: 250336056316

This was the seller who said "IMEI number of this phone is 359696014464459 not sure what u mean by the model number though. sorry about that"

The IMEI was a duplicate from a Samsung SGH-U700

Of course he will no longer communicate with me as I reported his previous fraud to eBay.

Would some of you please ask him the usual questions?

Original carrier
Part Number
Serial Number
IMEI Number

Etc.

Would some of you please ask him the usual questions?

Original carrier

Part Number

Serial Number

IMEI Number

Doing now and by the way he has no feedback – brand new username was created.

This is an interesting thread, i will definately be more aware if i ever use Ebay again.

Although i have stopped using Ebay for some time because i felt like there is a slumping respect for their customers over recent years.

ADSLNerd writes...

Doing now and by the way he has no feedback – brand new username was created.

Also asked him a question.... would be funny if we get different answers.

ADSLNerd writes...

With all due respect, its usually easy to find dodgy / fake ebay sellers selling supposively real "iphones". Here's the current list of real iphones and prices on ebay – http://phones.shop.ebay.com.au/items/Mobile-Phones__W0QQBrand3d75b67ZAppleiPhoned58cc62bQQLHQ5fBINZ1QQLHQ5fIncludeSIFZ1QQ_dmptZAUQ5fMobileQ5fPhonesQQ_flnZ1QQ_mdoZPhonesQQ_pcatsZ3286QQ_sacatZ14409QQ_scZ1QQ_sopZ12QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em283QQ_qiZRTM509653

You would hav been better off buying the iPhone from Australia. I dont know why you risked it.

With due respect ADSLNerd I would have thought you would know better.

Of course scammers list under and/or using "Apple iPhone". They are criminals, liars, and so on.

Here is a quick list of obvious counterfeits, and highly suspect possible frauds, taken from that list. I only had a quick look for the obvious ones, there may be more.

Counterfeits:
Item number: 320321522862
Item number: 250336056316
Item number: 220322097810
Item number: 220322097853

Highly Suspect:
Item number: 250335954549
Item number: 250335954445
Item number: 250335954275
Item number: 280290979502
Item number: 280290979451
Item number: 280290979414
Item number: 280290979243

Suspect (USA AT&T unlockable etc.)
Item number: 230311707959
Item number: 300275955238

SpudGunOz writes...

Ebay is rife with idiots like that. Anyone tried Oztion (www.oztion.com.au)? It's an Aussie only auction site, and it doesn't have the numbers that Ebay has, but its getting there thanks to Ebays feedback changes for sellers and the PayPal only thing. There are more steps involved in validating a user. You can sign up but you need to validate your CC, phone number, etc. Worth a look as there are some bargains there are a lot of Aussie ebay sellers have migrated because of all of ebays problems.

When I last checked oztion I found that, on a rough count, over 90% of the items were illegal and/or counterfeit. Hopefully the ratio has come down?

From memory, thousands of counterfeit Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, Armarni, etc. etc.

It seemed at the time that most of the eBay scammers were moving to oztion. It was around the time that eBay lost the LVMH court case and the Dior court case.

A3 Australia writes...

Yes. I hope it is OK to post this link?

Thanks for the link, not sure about the accuracy though, I checked a few IMEI numbers just now, some were right, it listed a Sony Ericsson as a Nokia??? and for one that wasn't in the database it prompted me to enter the information myself

A3 Australia writes...

When I last checked oztion I found that, on a rough count, over 90% of the items were illegal and/or counterfeit. Hopefully the ratio has come down?

From memory, thousands of counterfeit Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, Armarni, etc. etc.

It seemed at the time that most of the eBay scammers were moving to oztion. It was around the time that eBay lost the LVMH court case and the Dior court case.
I noticed that with the clothes alright, but these seem to be legit sellers selling fakies as opposed scammers that vanish when a sale is made on ebay. I am not saying it doesn't happen with Oztion, but they have the means to pursue these people. I wouldn't buy of someone who hadn't their CC, phone and address validated.

jok11n writes...

Thanks for the link, not sure about the accuracy though, I checked a few IMEI numbers just now, some were right, it listed a Sony Ericsson as a Nokia??? and for one that wasn't in the database it prompted me to enter the information myself

Are you sure the SONY is not a Chinese counterfeit SONY? Just wondering. As the Chinese use duplicated IMEI on their fakes.

And yes, it has to be in their data base. What phone was it?

It is the best IMEI checking site I can find. It has been 100% accurate with all iPhones so far, and they are all I am really checking.

If anyone knows of a better site, please let us know.

A3 Australia writes...

Are you sure the SONY is not a Chinese counterfeit SONY? Just wondering. As the Chinese use duplicated IMEI on their fakes.

yes I'm sure, it's a genuine carrier branded Sony Ericsson, also just because an IMEI on a Chinese phone comes up under another brand doesn't automatically mean it is duplicated

A3 Australia writes...

With due respect ADSLNerd I would have thought you would know better.

Of course scammers list under and/or using "Apple iPhone". They are criminals, liars, and so on.] ["Here is a quick list of obvious counterfeits, and highly suspect possible frauds, taken from that list. I only had a quick look for the obvious ones, there may be more. Counterfeits: Item number: 320321522862 / Item number: 250336056316 Item number: 220322097810 / Item number: 220322097853

..... just emphasises why risk it from Ebay? Ive bought stuff from Ebay for years and never got caught with anything dodgy – buyer beware. If something goes wrong with it your stuffed. Best way to check is buyer feedback as well, but your local mobile store is most probably the safest way.

jok11n writes...

just because an IMEI on a Chinese phone comes up under another brand doesn't automatically mean it is duplicated

I am interested.

As I said, I have only been checking for Apple iPhone IMEI numbers. When the iPhone (and therefore the IMEI) is genuine, the IMEI analysis always reports correctly.

Please explain the possible 'meanings' when an IMEI on a 'Chinese' phone of one brand, reports as being another brand.

Also, when you say "Chinese phone", do you mean a Chinese brand like CECT? I guess you are not talking about brands like NOKIA or Motorola, that are made in China.

Thanks

ADSLNerd writes...

but your local mobile store is most probably the safest way.

None of my local mobile stores sell either 1st generation 2G iPhones or 2nd generation 3G iPhones. Those with 3G iphones will only supply them as part of a contract.

So, I am stuck with eBay.

A3 Australia writes...

Please explain the possible 'meanings' when an IMEI on a 'Chinese' phone of one brand, reports as being another brand.

Yes I was referring to the Chinese brands rather than Chinese manufactured brand name phones

The IMEI is supplied with the chipset, the chipset is supplied to a lot of these Chinese factories by the same suppliers that provide the chipset to the factories that build the brand name handsets, the majority of these small production run Chinese handsets aren't in sufficient quantities to have their own purpose built chipset with IMEI regsitered accordingly, they just buy off the back of existing chipset manufacture supply, there are a lot of components common to many different handsets

That said, I have also seen fakes being assembled in back rooms, a lot different to what you see in a factory, I don't know if you have ever been inside a mobile phone factory but they look like operating theaters they are that clean and dust free (yes even the Chinese brand phones are built in environments like this)

momo1227 writes...

I am not sure what to do at this stage as I don't know whether the credit card company offer protection for online shopping .

Yes they do, reverse the charges once you recieve them and confirm they are fake.

Right now you suspect they are fake, so sign for them, attain that they are fake and contact your credit card company.

jok11n writes...

The IMEI is supplied with the chipset, the chipset is supplied to a lot of these Chinese factories by the same suppliers that provide the chipset to the factories

We are manufacturing mobile phones (actually payment terminals with GSM capabilities), and the chipset we get (from Wavecom) do not have an IMEI number, we are allocated a range of IMEI numbers that we program on the chips during assembly.

Imagine how difficult (e.g. nightmare) it would be if you had to track which chips (coming on a rim with thousand others) you've soldered on a particular PCB and make sure the sticker you apply once the assembly is done...
Especially as often the assembly with the plastic parts aren't done where the soldering is done...

Instead we do : soldering -> assembly -> test -> flash IMEI -> put stickers.

Anyhow, I've seen a few sellers advertising what seems to be a real iPhone ; however they advertise as usable on any networks. Putting stuff like the iPhone will be locked to the first SIM you put in (which has been proven to be false many times)
Like this one: 320321251314
It's just as bad as putting fake iphone for auction

Hellman109 writes...

Right now you suspect they are fake

He doesn't just suspect, unless you think Prada shoes can be linked to iTunes and run macos :)

Gherkin Inc writes...

Instead we do : soldering -> assembly -> test -> flash IMEI -> put stickers.

Same way it is done in China, what I meant was that the chipset is supplied with the IMEI numbers, buy a 1000 chipsets get 1000 IMEI numbers, the fake phones I'm sure don't care about doing this correctly, I'm referring to fakes though, not just China brand phones like TCL, Gionee, CECT, Bird etc

ADSLNerd writes...

Its not hard to pick these fakes, dodgy pictures, the words "Apple iPhone 3G not being displayed on the packaging, product shots showing standard mini-b usb connector etc. Its easy to pick out the fakes.

And what if they use the 'stock' pictures from Apple? And use all the specs., features, etc. from Apple and the carriers sites?

Then the only way to know is to ask questions of the seller, and hope that they give you truthful answers.

eBay is a minefield

ADSLNerd writes...

Doing now and by the way he has no feedback – brand new username was created.

"This listing (250336056316) has been removed"

Did you get a reply?

Did you report the listing to eBay?

t3h n00b writes...

Also asked him a question.... would be funny if we get different answers.

"This listing (250336056316) has been removed"

Did you get a reply?

Did you report the item to eBay?

A3 Australia writes...

Did you get a reply?

Did you report the item to eBay?

No and No – Was going to report after I got a reply. The user however was not deleted or anything; so I'm sure he will have more up soon

A3 Australia writes...

"This listing (250336056316) has been removed"

Did you get a reply?

Did you report the listing to eBay?

No reply yet

OK THIS IS REALLY WEIRD

It always takes me AT LEAST THREE DAYS to get eBay to remove counterfeit iPhone scam listings. And they only seem to remove the most obvious ones. And even then, they usually only remove 3 out of every 10 I report.

However, MOST of the scam eBay auctions I listed earlier today in this thread (in a reply to ADSLNerd) at 10.30am were removed by eBay by 5.50pm !!!! I did not even report them.

What the?? Does eBay monitor this site?

[url=http://www.freeimagehosting.net/][img]http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/8e6109ceca.jpg[/img][/url]

this is fake iphones. it's really hard to tell.

always ask for the IMEI number. This should start with 011************
iphones DONT have changeable batteries and DONT have dual sim.

""url=http://www.freeimagehosting.net/][img]http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/8e6109ceca.jpg[/img][/url]

this is fake iphones. it's really hard to tell.""

Well, its either a counterfeit or a USA iPhone.

And as either one doesn't have A-Tick certification, it would be illegal anyway.

A3 Australia writes...

this is fake iphones. it's really hard to tell.

Yeah they are tricky... the chinese on the bottom says it all (yes its fake)

You can tell... that iphone the battery is replaceable... its similiar to this one here:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220320721107&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_RCRX_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT&refitem=320320005249&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&usedrule1=CrossSell_LogicX&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget&_trksid=p284.m183&_trkparms=algo%3DCRX%26its%3DS%252BI%252BSS%26itu%3DISS%252BUCI%252BSI%26otn%3D4

cent writes...

Yeah they are tricky... the chinese on the bottom says it all (yes its fake)

You can tell... that iphone the battery is replaceable... its similiar to this one here:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220320721107&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_RCRX_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT&refitem=320320005249&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&usedrule1=CrossSell_LogicX&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget&_trksid=p284.m183&_trkparms=algo%3DCRX%26its%3DS%252BI%252BSS%26itu%3DISS%252BUCI%252BSI%26otn%3D4

A3 Australia writes...

this is fake iphones. it's really hard to tell.

Yeah they are tricky... the chinese on the bottom says it all (yes its fake)

You can tell... that iphone the battery is replaceable... its similiar to this one here:

Ah, NO it is not.

You are a bit mixed up. Maybe partly because I messed up the quoting thing in my message – sorry about that.

I did not say "this is fake iphones. it's really had to tell."

I was replying to his message.

And the picture he linked to was nothing like the counterfeit 1st generation 2G type iphone, to which you linked.

His picture was either a genuine white USA AT&T 3G iPhone or a very good counterfeit. It was FCC approved and had no A-Tick certification.

Damm this counterfeiting thing is getting complex.

A3 Australia writes...

His picture was either a genuine white USA AT&T 3G iPhone or a very good counterfeit. It was FCC approved and had no A-Tick certification.

The picture in the link is not US iphone. It's 100% fake iphone called Ciphone. selling for $250. There is no genuine iphone for this price.

A3 Australia writes...

And even then, they usually only remove 3 out of every 10 I report.

This is because eBay could care less in reality. It's more work for them, less money in the end. Paypal wash their hands in all but the rarest of cases.

I have nothing but utter contempt for both companies (even though they are the same) – I *nearly* got scammed and pointed this out to eBay, that there was a phished/hacked account buying/selling stuff – and the end result? I got left negative feedback from the hacked account (they got theirs reversed!) – then my ebay account of several years standing was closed! It's a long and complicated story but they acted in what I considered a criminaland negligent manner.

All this from just trying to help other people not get scammed (which they did, by the way, in the three or four days it took for them to act)

I admire you reporting these fools to eBay, but in reality you are just a nuisence to them. Keep on their backs! The sooner this monopoly goes down the tube the better.

I checked this item on ebay, The seller was new less than 30 days and has zero feedback. I think those who buy items like Apple iPhones from such sellers are fools. You can not help them

The thing that surprises me most, is not that there are plenty of conmen on eBay; but that the iPhones sell for so much money, typically more than $600 and sometimes over $800. You can buy a genuine one from Telstra for $750 and unlock it for $150, so $900 in total. It is still a saving of $100 to $300 but not as great a saving as I would have thought for a second hand phone and the risk that the product is faulty or a fake or from abroad and hence no guarantee.

Consider it a shield bidding. I don't believe any one will put away more than $750 for an iphone 3G on eBay. What you see is not what it is especially on eBay :D.

You HAVE to check this scam out!

Item number: 220324344466

I have been reporting it for AGES!

I only ever find it by accident as the scammer uses graphics so one can't search for his email address or his 'text'.

He has some way of hacking into eBay user's accounts. His listing is always on a different account and always one that has not been used for a long period. In this case since 2004.

As it seems to me that eBay is monitoring this/these forums I hope some action will be taken.

mdidi writes...

I checked this item on ebay, The seller was new less than 30 days and has zero feedback. I think those who buy items like Apple iPhones from such sellers are fools. You can not help them

Firstly, you have not said to what listing you were referring.

However, in any case, I don't think your comment is fair.

There are quite a few people who come on to eBay just to sell an iPhone they received as part of a new contract, or an existing contract that they extended. Therefore they are new members with no history.

Of course one has to take extra care when bidding/b