These days, fraud has become common in purchasing gadgets, especially when you are buying branded products. Here we will tell you some easy ways through which you can verify the authenticity of gadgets purchased in the UAE.

Check the serial number on the brand’s official website

Most brands provide a unique serial number for their products, which you can check on their official website.

• Find the serial number of your gadget (it’s usually on the box or back of the device).
• Go to the brand’s official website and look for the “Warranty Check” or “Serial Number Verification” section.
• Enter the number and verify the authenticity.

Scan the gadget’s QR code

Many modern gadgets come with a QR code, which can provide you with information about the product’s origin.

• Install a QR code scanning app on your mobile.
• Scan the code provided on the box or product.
• If the code is valid and links to the official website, the gadget is genuine.

Verify through applications

Some companies provide their own specific applications through which you can check the originality of the product.

• For example, Samsung, Apple, and other brands have their own tools.
• Install the app, connect the gadget, and verify that it is genuine.

Inspect packaging and labels

• Packaging: Substandard or poorly printed packaging often indicates a counterfeit product.
• Labels: If there are spelling errors or design differences in the branding, this is a warning sign.

Check the receipt and warranty

Always ask for the purchase receipt and product warranty.

• Major brands and distributors in the UAE usually provide official warranties with original products.
• Compare the details written on the receipt with the product serial number and model.

Shop from trusted stores

Always shop from verified and trusted stores or online platforms, such as:

• Sharaf DG
• Emax
• Amazon UAE
• Noon

When buying gadgets, verifying their authenticity is extremely important, especially if you are buying them from markets like the UAE where different quality and price ranges are available. Considering the prevalence of counterfeit products, this guide will provide you with all the necessary information so that you can avoid fraud and buy an authentic product.

Verify Serial Number and IMEI Number

Every branded gadget has a unique serial number or IMEI number. It’s very easy to verify it:

For phones:

• Dial *#06# on your phone.
• You will see the IMEI number.
• Check this number on the brand’s website or on a specific official app.

For other gadgets:

• Check the serial number on the box or product on the official website.
• Apple, Samsung, and other popular brands provide tools to verify this.

Branded stickers and hologram verification

Many gadgets have branded stickers or holograms.

• If the stickers are faded or have poor quality print, this may be a sign of a fake.
• Look at the hologram from different angles, it changes color in the light. Counterfeit products often do not have this feature.

Check the weight and construction of the gadget

Real gadgets are usually made of high-quality materials, while fake gadgets may weigh less or have poor construction:

• Weight difference: Fake products are often lightweight.
• Material quality: The body of a real product is usually made of premium materials, while a fake product uses plastic or low-quality metal.

Check the gadget’s performance

• The user interface of a real gadget is always smooth and fast.
• Counterfeit gadgets are often slow or give unexpected errors.
• For example, fake Apple devices may run on Android instead of iOS, and the software will look noticeably different.

Battery Life Test

• Real gadgets have better battery quality and last longer. Fake gadgets may drain their batteries quickly or overheat.
• Fully charge the gadget after purchase and note the battery performance.
  If the battery is draining quickly, it could be a sign of a fake.

Importance of Place of Purchase

Rely on the following trusted sources to buy authentic gadgets in the UAE:

• Official brand stores: such as Apple Store, Samsung Experience Store.
• Retailers: Sharaf DG, Emax, Jumbo Electronics.
• Online platforms: Amazon UAE, Noon.
• Avoid buying from dubious or unknown stores, especially if the price is too low.

Compare product prices

Be wary if you see a gadget being sold for a very low price.

• Genuine gadgets are usually priced fairly, and a very low price could mean fraud.

Seek help from local consumer protection authorities

If you suspect you have been given a fake gadget, contact the UAE’s consumer protection authorities:

• Dubai Consumer Protection: dubaiconsumer.gov.ae
• File a complaint and provide proof of your purchase.

Seek help from friends and online reviews

If you are shopping at a new store or brand, check reviews from friends or online customers.

• Customer complaints or praise will give you an idea of ​​what the store or product is like.

Conculsion

These precautions and verification methods when buying gadgets in the UAE will not only protect you from counterfeit products but also give you the confidence to buy authentic and high-quality products. Always buy from reputable sources, verify the serial number or IMEI, and keep an eye on the product packaging and performance. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a product, contact the relevant authorities.