GOLDEN RULES:
- Slow it down - Scams are often designed to create a sense of urgency. Take time to ask questions and think it through.
- Spot check - Do your research to double check the details you are getting. Does what they’re telling you make sense?
- Stop! Don’t send - No reputable person or agency will ever demand payment or your personal information on the spot.
“Oooo! That price is so much lower than anywhere else! Is it too good to be true?”
Chances are, yes. Counterfeit products are an unfortunate reality for Google and our users. Even more frustrating, these fakes can be hard to spot. Because of this, we recommend buying (and using) devices sold only by our official Google Store, or from one of our authorized retailers.
Counterfeit hardware poses many threats to you, our user. This includes things such as:
- Subpar quality, with components likely to fail or, in the worst cases, be harmful (ie health or safety risk);
- Security risks - counterfeit products pose a high chance of having software installed that will steal your personal information without your knowledge;
- Lack of any support for errors or issues;
- Fake tech support that charges users for assistance (something we do not do); and
- Failure to meet regulatory standards.
Counterfeit hardware can come in a few forms. It may be that the device itself was manufactured by someone other than Google, with unauthorized use of our branding and logos. There are also counterfeiters that take used / altered older Google products (ex: Pixel 3a phones) and reprint fake packaging as an attempt to pass them off as new and genuine. In both situations, you are left with a device that is not what you paid for and that poses significant security risks to you.
Resources:
For more information on counterfeit hardware and how to know if a Google device is authentic, please visit the Google Store Help page.
If you believe you have received a counterfeit Google device, please report the matter here.