Unmasking Counterfeit Smartphones: A Guide to Authenticity Checks

The upcoming Amazon and Flipkart sales promise significant savings, but also present the risk of purchasing fake or non-functional smartphones. Some consumers have reported receiving counterfeit devices or phones that fail to operate after delivery. To avoid this, it is crucial to verify the authenticity of your phone purchase. The Sanchar Saathi Portal, a government platform, provides a method to ascertain if a smartphone is genuine. The process starts by visiting the official Sanchar Saathi website. Then, under the ‘Citizen Centric Services,’ you must select the ‘Know Your Mobile/IMEI Verification’ option. Enter your mobile number and the provided captcha to receive an OTP. After submitting the OTP, input the 15-digit IMEI number of your smartphone. The portal then displays device details like its status, brand, model, type, and manufacturing information. This information enables consumers to confirm their phone’s legitimacy and avoid falling victim to counterfeit products.