How to spot fake and counterfeited Xiaomi products
What's the story
Chinese tech giant Xiaomi recently issued an advisory to its customers, asking them not to buy Xiaomi-branded products from non-authorized sales channels. The recommendation came days after counterfeited Xiaomi products worth Rs. 13 lakh were seized in New Delhi last month. Xiaomi has also suggested a few ways to identify the fake products. Here are more details.
Information
Fake Xiaomi products seized from Gaffar Market, New Delhi
The fake Xiaomi products were seized from raids conducted in Gaffar Market, New Delhi late last month after a complaint was registered with the police "as part of the company's anti-counterfeit measures." Weirdly enough, some shops sold products that haven't been officially launched in India.
Details
Over 2,000 fake products were seized
According to reports, over 2,000 fake Xiaomi products were seized from four shops that were raided. These shops sold counterfeits of Mi Powerbanks, Mi Neckbands, Mi Travel Adaptor with Cable, Mi Earphone Basic with Mic, Mi Wireless Headsets, and Mi 2-in-1 USB Cable. As mentioned before, some of the fake products like Redmi Air Dots had not even been officially launched in the country.
Official word
Here's what Xiaomi said on this matter
"Counterfeited products are not only a big threat to consumer health and safety but also pose a huge risk to consumer's data security," Xiaomi India said in a press statement. The company also noted that "the products might start malfunctioning and the user might be unaware of the hazards that these kinds of products can cause."
Verification
How to spot fake Xiaomi products
Now, here's how you can spot the fake products. Firstly, you should check a product's 'security code' on mi.com and ascertain its authenticity at Mi Home/Mi Stores. Further, only authorized fitness products will be compatible with Xiaomi's Mi Fit app and original batteries/power banks will carry Li-Poly sign and not Li-ion. For fake USB cables and headphones, the built quality would be flimsy.