6 RED FLAGS YOUR LAPTOP IS FAKE

The extent to which fake or reconditioned laptops known colloquially as “CHINA” or “CHINKO” permeate our technology sector is highly concerning. Many consumers are cheated out of their hard-earned money by unscrupulous vendors who prey on their inability to discern between FAKE and ORIGINAL laptops.

What Characteristics Do They Share?

Here are several techniques to spot FAKE or REFURBISHED laptops. However, the characteristics described below are not exhaustive; it is better to choose a reputable vendor.

1. The keys on their keyboards are not in the right order: Keys on refurbished laptops frequently fail to operate properly. Keyboard key patterns or positions are often 1234567890 QWERTY UIOP ASDFGHJKL…. The numerical keys (1,2,3,4,…) commonly have extra key symbols on top of them that can only be seen by pressing the “SHIFT” keys simultaneously. Assume, for example,

If key “2” does not return “@” when pressed, the system has been renovated. Also, the backlash key with the symbols ” and|” should come after the key “P,” albeit the location may vary according on the machine. If it does something different when “SHIFT” is pushed, the system has been refurbished.

2. When the Screen Doesn’t Fit properly: Original laptops, both new and “London used,” have properly aligned displays and frames. If there is a gap between the screen and the frame, the system has to be serviced.

3. Stickers near the keyboard should be present on every original laptop. The stickers must specify the computer’s processor, such as Intel, as well as the RAM capacity or memory. The system is a fake if, once it has been started, a different Processor or OS than the one listed on the label emerges.

4. When the manufacturer of the battery is not the same as the manufacturer of the laptop.

5. Check the back of your laptop for identification, service tag, or serial number, and then visit the manufacturer’s website to see if such identifications are supported. For example, my Dell Precision has a Service tag that I utilize on the Dell website to obtain system drivers.

6. You can contact the Producer if your serial number is in their database. If they don’t, your system is from CHINA!

Despite this, Nigerian laptop vendors are continually looking for “sharper” ways to sell their counterfeit laptops. If you are not adequately directed or educated, you may become a victim. You need a certified and reputable dealer to spare yourself from problems.