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Recently, there have been reports of people in Kenya buying boxed iPhones that turn out to be refurbished, pre-owned or even phones with replaced units.
This is a scam that has been going on for some time now, and it is important to be aware of it so that you don't fall victim.
But you may ask, what is the difference between a brand-new iPhone and a refurbished iPhone?
A brand new iPhone is a phone that has never been used before. It comes in a sealed box with all of the original accessories.
On the other hand, a refurbished iPhone is a phone that has been used before and has been returned to Apple or a certified Apple reseller to be repaired or replaced.
Refurbished iPhones are typically sold at a discount, but they come with a warranty and should be just as good as a new iPhone.
How to tell if your iPhone is legit
There are a few things you can do to tell if your iPhone is legit:
Check the IMEI number. International Mobile Equipment Identity, IMEI number is a unique identifier for your phone. It’s found on the back of the phone, on the SIM card tray, or in the Settings app.
So, go to Settings > General > About > IMEI to check the IMEI number. Then, go to Apple's website and enter the IMEI number into the check coverage tool. If the information on the website matches the information on your phone, then your phone is legit.
Check the serial number. The serial number is another unique identifier for your phone. You can find the serial number in the Settings app, under General > About > Serial Number. You can also find it on the back of the phone, next to the IMEI number. To check the serial number, go to Apple's website and enter the serial number into the check coverage tool. If the information on the website matches the information on your phone, then your phone is legit.
You can also inspect the phone carefully. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, dents, or cracks. If the phone looks like it has been used before, then it is likely refurbished or pre-owned.
Check the software. Make sure that the phone is running the latest version of iOS. You can check this by going to Settings > General > Software Update. If the phone is running an older version of iOS, then it is likely refurbished or pre-owned.
Bill Ngare a tech enthusiast, has been following the issue of fake iPhones in Kenya for some time now, and he has a few tips for consumers:
Check the physical condition of the phone. Fake iPhones are often made with cheap materials, so they may feel lighter or cheaper than a real iPhone. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, dents, or cracks.
Check the software. Make sure that the phone is running the latest version of iOS. You can check this by going to Settings > General > Software Update. If the phone is running an older version of iOS, then it is likely refurbished or pre-owned.
Check the App Store. Try to download an app from the App Store. If you are not able to download apps, then the phone may be fake.
Use a third-party app. There are a number of third-party apps one can use to check if your iPhone is legit. One popular app is called iUnlocker Check. It will check the IMEI number, serial number, and other information about your phone to make sure that it is legit.
Ngare also advises consumers to be wary of low prices. “Nairobi ni shamba la mawe” he says.
If the price of an iPhone seems too good to be true, it probably is. Fake iPhones are often sold at a fraction of the price of a new iPhone. Although some will sell you the phone at the original price if you are not careful.
"It's important to be aware of the risks when buying an iPhone in Kenya," Ngare says.
