The Metropolitan police have confiscated a number of fake iPhone 5s from vendors in Barking and Dagenham.
The fakes are sophisticated enough to fool even a fairly savvy consumer. They look outwardly identical to genuine iPhones, come in authentic looking packaging and include chargers. Police have reported that the devices even have several apps potential buyers can try out to convince them to buy.
However the devices are unable to make or receive calls and text messages or connect to the internet. Police have not yet confirmed how many of the devices have been recovered or the prices they had been sold at. Police have yet to report making any arrests in the case so it’s likely the vendors are still operating.
The Met say that the vendors are approaching people in the street rather than selling from a fixed location and are advising people to be wary of anyone attempting to sell phones without proper permits.
