Local comedian Mr. Brown shared how his friend’s son bought a pair of AirPods Pro from Lazada and was told by a staff member at Apple Store that it is fake.
Here is the story:
“PSA: Friend’s son bought a $239.49 AirPods Pro from Lazada and it developed problems. Took it to Apple Store and found out that it’s fake. The serial number has been flagged and used for many similar fakes.
Genuine AirPods Pro are $379. If the price is too good to be true, like low $200+, it is probably fake.
Please buy your AirPods from authorized dealers, the actual Apple website or the Apple Store. It’s not worth the risk of getting fake goods from dodgy sources.
Update: There is an authorized LazMall store where they sell genuine AirPods. So you can get it from there too.
Looks like they sometimes sell it as low as $289. As far as I know, that’s an authorized Apple LazMall store.
AppleCare for fake AirPods
Update 2: Geraldine shares an interesting story of her experience with a fake. It looks like fake AirPods can clear the Apple Support serial number check online, and you can even purchase AppleCare for it, but you find out it is fake only when you take it in for servicing.
“This is my personal experience buying 2 sets of AirPods Pro from Shopee.I bought the cheaper set after reading good reviews from other buyers saying that they are able to register the units and purchase Apple Care hence they must be genuine.
However when the AirPods started showing problems, I brought them to Apple Store at Jewel and was told they are fake.
The staff went on to explain that being able to register the AirPods and even paying for Apple Care does not indicate that the items are genuine.
If the customer has unwittingly paid for Apple Care, Apple will simply refund the price for Apple Care without honouring the warranty.
Thankfully they gave me a letter stating that the item is fake and I was able to get full refund from Shopee.
On the other hand, the slightly more expensive set is genuine, also verified by Apple Store at Jewel. After rebates, I paid $239 for this genuine set.
Tip: If the AirPods come with less than 12 months warranty, it is definitely fake (cloned serial number). Genuine units should allow you to register with full 12 months warranty.”
Images source: mrbrown on Facebook