So you've made a purchase. Now what? Don't just toss the box. Take a closer look at the packaging. Genuine manufacturers use high-quality printing—crisp text, bright colors, no smudges. Check the batch code or lot number. Many brands have an online verification system. Scratch off the code (if there is one) and enter it on the official website. If it says "not recognized," you've got a fake.

Also, give the device a once-over. Compare it to images on the brand's official site. Look at the logo placement, the colors, even the font. Counterfeiters get the basics right but often trip up on the details.