Is your TV fake? Don’t be shocked because yes, the branded TV that you’ve recently bought can be fake.
The rapid growth of the television industry in Pakistan has brought many people forward with the malicious intent of making money through illegal means. These people are skilled at manufacturing counterfeit TVs and LEDs with spare parts and local machinery.
They also decide on using famous brand names without the permission of the intellectual property owner which is not just illegal but highly unethical as well.
How to differentiate a Fake from an Original?
To prevent yourself from falling for such a scam, take into consideration the following points.
- Always prefer to buy official products from the company’s authorized shops.
- Locate someone who is currently using the exact type of tv you want to buy and familiarise yourself with its features.
- Search for the hands-on video of that TV on youtube.com and watch it in case you do not know anyone using it.
- Search for the official website of the manufacturers and see if they have provisions for how to detect a fake copy of their product. Most manufacturers have this.
- Be familiar with the accessories before going to purchase it.
- Make sure you look out for the consumer manual.
- There must be a warranty card with loads of details on how to claim your warranty, not just a sale receipt or invoice.
Also Read: Changhong Ruba Full Screen 4K Android TV Review – U55H7Ki
Much Lower Price Should Ring a Bell
These fake TVs and LEDs are sold at low prices as they do not go through the process of paying the cost of producing a genuine television as spare parts are used. Also, there aren’t any tax duties attached to the product, making it a cheaper alternative. The shop owners then sell these TVs to unsuspecting customers, making money from the product that wasn’t worth much in the first place.
Should we buy Brand’s Copy at Half the Price?
40-50 percent price difference attracts the buyer to opt for the fake TV or LED rather than one manufactured by a genuine brand. Do remember that the branded one has a longer life span and proper warranty ensured, whereas the copies will be good for just a few months.
The price sensitivity in Pakistan leads the consumer into believing that they are buying a good product cheaply, whereas, in reality, they’re buying a cheap product at a higher rate.
These fake TVs pose a serious threat as with issues like product malfunctions; the consumer has no legal ground to claim damages.
Sadly, such businesses are a common practice in this country. We can see illegal products sold by the shop owners and repainted used mobile phones sold to the unsuspecting customers in our everyday lives.
Recently, law enforcement agencies raided Peshawar Electronics in Gujranwala and confiscated TVs and LEDs ranging from the sizes between 40 to 60 inches, and also conducted another raid at ‘M.W Electronics in Daroghawala, Lahore. It is about time that regulatory agencies wake up to realize the horrors of such business practices.
How can I file a complaint against a shop such that the authorities act well on it and don’t just ignore it as I know many shops selling fake TVs and lying to customers?