How to spot fake vs original IQOS?

With great power comes great responsibility, and that is indeed true with IQOS too. The IQOS devices have become incredibly popular in the UAE, and with a major switch from traditional cigarettes to a cleaner alternative, the demand has increased substantially. With great opportunities come counterfeits. UAE markets have also observed increased sales of fake products through unauthorized platforms.

Here's a simple guide on how to identify fake IQOS devices and avoid falling for the trap.

Why Fake IQOS is a Problem?

Here's why users should always go for original IQOS products -

1. Health & Safety. Fake IQOS products are made with low-quality materials that may overheat or can even malfunction. These products are not regulated according to standards, and with poor filters, the chances of toxic emissions also become higher.
2. No Warranty or Support. Unlike original products, fake IQOS doesn't come with a Philip Morris warranty, which is apparently a major drawback. Also, after-sales service for buying the product isn't available.
3. Poor Performance. Counterfeit devices lack the standard manufacturing process and thus don't come with optimum build quality as originals. Users can face weak heating and shorter lifespans of fake devices.

A major way to avoid such traps is to understand and get aware on how to spot a fake product.

Spotting Fake IQOS

Small details matter, and these details help users understand and spot fake IQOS products -

• No/Fake Serial Number. All original IQOS devices have a serial number that matches the box and can be checked online. Fakes often have random numbers or invalid QR codes that won't scan. Any device that you cannot authenticate through IQOS or the official app is a warning sign.
• Difference in Packaging. The packaging of counterfeit IQOS products looks convincing at first glance, but has several flaws like a fuzzy font, wrong colors, or missing logo. If you have had an IQOS before, always compare new purchases with your original packaging.
• Poor Build Quality. The imitation IQOS devices may seem lighter or more plastic than the genuine device. Look for loose buttons, cheap plastic use, bad design of the charging port, or irregular LED lighting. Usually, you'll see these signs when you hold the device or try to use it.
• Software Issues. Fakes do not support official apps and software features, like not connecting with the IQOS app, uneven heating or turning off during use, or no vibration or LED indicator. Also, other device issues like battery heating up, not charging, or an unfailed system.

Now that clear signs of fake products are being identified, let's see how to buy only original products -

How to Buy Only Original IQOS

Follow the below-mentioned tips to always buy original IQOS products -

1. Buy From Authorized Platforms. To avoid buying fake products, stick to authorized and reliable platforms like MATSU. Such platforms deal with original sealed products and have all the necessary details like customer support, return policies, warranty period, and more.
2. Check for Packing Code. Original IQOS products have codes in the packaging and even a QR code. This QR code gives a serial number when scanned with official apps. In case of a missing code, there's a high chance of it being a fake product.
3. Warranty Options. Authentic IQOS have a dedicated warranty period. Users can go to the IQOS website or app, register the product with the given code on the packaging, and get details of the warranty.
4. Compare with Original Products. If you've used IQOS products before, you can easily compare factors like logo, packaging, text alignment, and QR codes. This comparison at a glance can easily help you identify fake products.

Common Traps to Avoid

Counterfeit products are sold on urgency, discounts, and scams. By keeping patience and thinking twice before making a buying decision, users can easily avoid falling for such traps.

1. Avoid Discounts on Social Media. Limited-time offers, discounts, first come, first served, and other such terms are created to force users to make a decision quickly. And, with all that rush, users often fail to verify sources and platform authenticity. When purchased, these products usually arrive without boxes or with repackaged fakes.
2. Unofficial Vendors. Coming across random flea market shops with zero warranty of products and products at low prices often tricks users. The unofficial stores carry low-quality counterfeits.
3. Marketplace Tricks. Some buyers have reported receiving empty IQOS boxes after ordering from unknown sellers on marketplace apps. Lack of customer protection makes this even riskier.

Conclusion - Shop Smarter

Fake IQOS devices are a big problem in the market in the UAE. They first seem like a good deal to users, but the product quality proves to be the opposite. Spotting fake IQOS is all about paying attention to little details like packaging, build quality, and authenticity of stores.

The smartest choice of all? Buy from trusted sellers and take a risk. Check twice, or shop directly from MATSU for a seamless and authentic buying experience.

FAQs

1. How to know if IQOS is original?

To check if your IQOS device or tobacco sticks are authentic, verify the serial number on the official website, inspect the packaging quality, and connect the device to the official app.

2. Where to safely purchase IQOS in the UAE?

Use trusted platforms like MATSU, where the team guarantees genuine stock and good customer service.

3. If I bought a fake product, what should I do?

Stop using it immediately. If possible, report the seller. You can report the serial number and provide photos to IQOS UAE through their official website. They may help identify whether your product is authentic.