Several UK gadget retailers are currently experiencing issues with fake Beats by Dr. Dre headphones and earphones being returned in place of authentic items.
Gadget Helpline has learned from HMV that a recent influx of counterfeit products has resulted in stores having to take extra precautions to reduce the risk of being caught out by the fakes. The most common headphones being faked and currently circulating the UK market are the Beats Tour and Beats Studio models, both of which are pretty pricey.
While customers may be unaware that they’ve purchased fakes from elsewhere, with HMV the problem is directly affecting the retailer. The real deal is being bought in store, and several weeks later they get returned with a problem, except it’s not the original pair being returned for a refund – it’s a pair of fakes.
Thankfully Monster, the manufacturer behind the Beats by Dr. Dre brand, have identified the most common types of fake, and made retailers aware. If you’re looking to buy a set of Beats headphones then it’s worth checking them over once you’ve bought them to make sure you’re getting what you paid for. Here’s how to spot a fake:
Beats Tour
– The tell-tale signs can be found in the packaging, which tends to be of a poor quality with counterfeit items. For example, the image of Dr. Dre himself is very dark on the fake packaging – generally you can’t see his right ear – and the text is pretty blurry.
– On the Beats Tour earphones you have flat cables in the signature red Beats colour. The fakes tend to have a thinner cable width, are a darker red, and generally feel cheaper.
– Finally, the “b” logo on the earbuds themselves will be off-centre and faded red
Beats Studio
– Again, the same packaging issues arise – dark images of Dr. Dre himself and poor quality print.
– Fake models will feature the wrong type of screw on the headband. Check on the underside of the headband to have a look – if they’re Allen head screws it’s genuine, if they’re Phillips head screws then it’s unfortunately fake.
– Beats Studio headphones come with two Duracell AA batteries. Fake suppliers can’t provide these officially, although some will try to be clever by putting loose batteries in the pack. If the two batteries aren’t sealed with plastic, it’s not the real deal.
Hopefully this sort of thing will be stamped out by vigilant retailers and customers, as we can only imagine the horror of shelling out the sort of money Beats headphones require just to find a pair of fakes in the box. If you’ve got a pair recently then be sure to check them over for these signs!
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