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Anti-counterfeit guide for consumersThe HP Anti Counterfeiting
and Fraud (ACF) Programme for channel partner and customer
protection in EMEAMarch 2019
Table of contents
›››››› Avoiding fake cartridges
›››››› Avoiding fake computing products
›››››› Reporting possible counterfeits
›››››› Overview of security labels on HP ink cartridges
Counterfeit printing supplies and computing products can pose
considerable risks to consumers as they often do not meet HP’s
strict quality and safety standards. Frequently, risks include
malfunctioning or poor-quality products and unwitting dealings with
criminals. Follow the tips below to steer clear of fraudsters and
their risky products.
Get details on how to check Samsung-branded printing
supplies
for signs of counterfeiting; these products are distributed by
HP as of November 2017.
Avoiding fake cartridgesOriginal HP printing supplies are
particularly at risk of being counterfeited.1 Please carefully
follow each of the steps outlined below for examining suspicious
products.
Check the security label Security labels should correctly
exhibit all applicable security featuresExamine the HP security
label’s holographic features (click on fig. 1 to see the label in
motion).
• Tilt the box from front to back: the ‘OK’ and ‘’ symbols on
the label should move in opposite directions.
• Tilt the box from right to left: the ‘OK’ and ‘‘ symbols on
the label should move in the same direction. fig. 1
If you have a smartphone, you can also validate the label’s
unique code (fig. 2).
Download HP’s free SureSupply app to easily check HP security
labels with its included QR code reader.
• Simply capture the Quick Response (QR) code printed on the
label with any QR code reader.
• Get an immediate response from HP.
A number of free QR code readers or the reader included with the
HP SureSupply app (where available) can be used. Alternatively, you
can go to the HP Mobile Authentication website displayed on current
security labels (hp.com/go/ok) and enter the label’s serial number
manually for verification.
fig. 2
http://www.hp.com/go/anticounterfeithttp://www.hp.com/go/anticounterfeithttp://h20195.www2.hp.com/v2/GetDocument.aspx?docname=c06076182http://h20195.www2.hp.com/v2/GetDocument.aspx?docname=c06076182http://h20195.www2.hp.com/v2/GetDocument.aspx?docname=c06201705
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All original HP toner cartridges have a security label. The
label is stuck across the tear strip of the box (fig. 3). If you
notice any HP toner cartridges without a security label, you have
reason to be suspicious. fig. 3
Selected original HP inkjet cartridges carry a security label in
EMEA. If present, the HP security label can either be found in the
upper right corner of the hang tab or on the left or right panel of
the box (fig. 4). Please cross-check with the overview of security
labels on HP ink cartridges – if a security label is missing
although it should be present, this can be indicative of
counterfeiting.
fig. 4
Original HP PageWide and large format cartridges generally carry
a security label. The label is of the same design as the one
applied to HP ink cartridges (fig. 5). If you notice HP PageWide or
large format cartridges without a security label, you have reason
to be suspicious. Please note that former versions of large format
printing supplies packaging may not have a security label.
fig. 5
Latest toner security labels feature a barcode. This barcode
supports the serialisation of HP toner cartridges.
Be aware of the different variations of the security label. Some
older versions of HP’s security labels may still be in circulation;
they generally have an image-shifting feature that can be checked
in a similar way as described above.
• The latest version of the security label features a toner or
ink icon, respectively (see fig. 6).
• Former versions of the security label (fig. 7) include toner
labels that combine the toner icon with the word ’toner’ printed
underneath; as well as ink and toner versions that feature a mobile
phone icon instead.
With security label versions that indicate whether they are
intended for toner or ink products, please check that the label
correctly corresponds with the product. An ink label on a toner
cartridge is suspicious, and vice versa.
Current security labels Previous security labels
(toner) (ink)fig. 6
(toner)(toner) (toner) (toner) (ink)fig. 7
Check the dates/codes Dates/codes on box and cartridge
matchOriginal HP cartridges feature specific dates or codes on the
box as well as on the cartridge it contains. If they do not match
as described below, you have reason to be suspicious.
• All original HP ink, PageWide, and large format printing
supplies feature the same ‘End of Warranty’ date on the box as on
the cartridge itself (fig. 8).
• All original HP toner cartridges have a code on both the box
and the cartridge itself, of which the first five characters match
(fig. 9). Please ignore all date specifications present.
Same dates
fig. 8
First five characters match
fig. 9
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Look at the packaging
Please note that HP offers so-called contractual supplies
(‘C-SKUs’, ‘MPS SKUs’, or ‘MC-SKUs’). These cartridges that come in
deviating packaging are not intended for sale on the open
market.
Fraudsters might use this difference in packaging to conceal
counterfeits and explain suspicious pricing. HP recommends
consumers to refrain from any contractual supplies offered on the
open market or e.g. received when purchasing alleged HP printing
supplies online.
All packaging should be top qualityBoxes and packaging materials
used for original HP cartridges are of consistent and premium
quality (fig. 10). HP does not knowingly authorise the sale of
packaging which is damaged or poor quality. Also, there should be
no printing mistakes or signs of opening and re-sealing. HP
generally recommends only accepting HP cartridges in unopened
original packaging.
fig. 10
Examine the cartridge The cartridge itself has to look clean and
brand newOriginal HP cartridges are always delivered unused (fig.
11). There should be no damage, ink or toner leakage, scratches, or
any signs of previous use on the cartridge itself.
fig. 11
Refrain from dubious offers HP sales practices are consistent
and reliableTo avoid fakes, you should refrain from accepting any
suspicious sales offers, such as:
• ‘Free offers’ followed by a requirement to pay for ‘extras’,
like shipping or handling etc.
• Insistence on placing orders immediately to ‘beat the price
increase’, or ‘reserve the last few in stock’.
• Market stall sales of allegedly original HP cartridges.
• Bulk sales of allegedly original HP cartridges on online
auction sites.
• Offers for ‘original cartridges’ that promise a yield two or
more times than that of a standard HP cartridge.
• Allegedly new ‘HP’ products offered exclusively by the
salesperson’s company.
• Offers for alleged ‘grey market’ or ‘parallel imported’
printing supplies, which could be used as a pretext for selling
counterfeit goods.
• Internet or unsolicited email offers (spam) incorporating any
of these indicators or with incomplete contact information of the
seller.
HP sells printing supplies through contracted sales channelsIf
an offer sounds ‘too good to be true’, it probably is. To avoid
counterfeit cartridges, HP generally recommends to only buy from
trustworthy vendors such as HP resale partners. For a list of
contracted supplies resellers in your country, please go to the HP
website.
HP resale partners can provide reliable sources of original HP
products.
If you are suspicious about a product or offer
If you think that a product might be counterfeit or if you have
any suspicions regarding the manufacturing or sale of possible
counterfeits, please report to HP’s anti-counterfeiting experts as
described below.
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Avoiding fake computing productsComputing products which are
particularly at risk of being counterfeited include laptop power
adapters and batteries, USB flash drives, and memory cards.
However, a wide range of other accessories or even entire PCs and
laptops are also faked. To avoid illicit computing goods, please
follow the steps outlined below.
Examine the packaging HP uses premium packaging Genuine HP
products should generally arrive in high-quality, HP-branded boxes
or blister packs (fig. 12). Packaging that does not fit this
company policy, for example due to poor quality or damage, can be
considered suspicious.
Further potential indicators for counterfeiting can also include
blurry text and images, incorrect HP logos, product photos that
deviate from the item you are purchasing, or spelling mistakes on
the packaging. In addition, HP does not knowingly authorise the
sale of loose items or products packed only in plastic or paper
wrappings.
fig. 12
Check the products Genuine HP computing products are of high
quality Original HP products are always manufactured according to
HP’s strict quality standards. They generally bear distinct HP
logos as well as a sticker that displays the product information in
high-resolution print (fig. 13).
Goods that show signs of damage, scratches, or wear and tear
upon arrival therefore could potentially be fake. Furthermore, any
product sticker that features spelling or punctuation errors or
which seems to have been carelessly stuck on should be cause for
doubt, just as much as incorrect HP logo labels.
fig. 13
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Refrain from dubious offers HP sales practices are consistent
and reliableTo avoid fakes, you should refrain from accepting any
suspicious sales offers, such as:
• Computing goods offered at suspiciously low prices.
• Sales of allegedly original HP products featuring descriptions
like ‘factory tested/factory testing’, ‘bulk packaging’, ‘new
retail’, ‘factory-sealed retail packaging’ or ‘grade A cell’.
• Alleged ‘grey market’ or ‘parallel imported’ goods; these
descriptions can serve as a pretext for explaining discounted
prices of fake products.
• Urging to place orders immediately to ‘beat the price
increase’ or ‘reserve the last few in stock’ or highlighting ‘high
quality and lower prices than standard HP products’.
• Offers with photos showing mass manufacturing or packaging
processes or showing internal components.
• Sellers claiming to be a manufacturer associated with or
endorsed by HP.
• Bulk sales of allegedly original HP products on online auction
sites.
• Internet or unsolicited email offers (spam) incorporating any
of these indicators or with incomplete contact information of the
seller.
HP sells computing products through contracted sales channelsIf
an offer sounds ‘too good to be true’, it probably is. To avoid
counterfeit products, HP generally recommends to only buy from
trustworthy vendors such as HP resale partners.
HP resale partners can provide reliable sources of original HP
products.
If you are suspicious about a product or offer
If you think that a product might be counterfeit or if you have
any suspicions regarding the manufacturing or sale of possible
counterfeits, please report to HP’s anti-counterfeiting experts as
described below.
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Reporting possible counterfeitsIf your suspicions have become
concrete through completing the above checks, please read the
following points carefully.
What to keep in mind before reporting to HPPlease keep the
product, its packaging and any documents relating to the product,
such as invoices, offer letters, etc. For your own safety, HP
generally recommends not telling the trader who sold the goods to
you about your suspicion.
HP is committed to protecting your privacy (visit the HP Online
Privacy Statement to learn more). We will use the information you
report to act against counterfeiting as and if appropriate. We may
also contact you about your report, e.g. for follow-up questions.
All the information you provide to us will be kept confidential to
the extent permitted by law and will only be shared on a
need-to-know basis.
Choose your reporting channel You can send your report in any
language via one of the following channels:
Email Web Further ways
Send your report to: [email protected]
Visit hp.com/go/anticounterfeit and click on ‘Report
counterfeit’
Find a local hotline or contact us via mail.
State basic facts This is what we need to know in order to
follow up on a counterfeiting suspicion:
• Explain the reason(s) for your suspicion (e.g. suspiciously
low price, worn packaging)1.
• Provide the name and contact details of the seller, if
available to you.
• Please indicate your contact details for potential follow-up
questions – of course, you can also remain anonymous if you prefer,
e.g. by reporting via the web.
Attach photos Please follow these guidelines for providing
pictures to HP’s ACF experts:
• Include sharp digital photos of all six sides of the product’s
packaging as well as a sharp, legible close-up of the security
label (if present) and a picture of the product itself, if
possible.
• Make sure that the photo file size is around 500 KB each.
• Wherever possible, please use daylight or a well-lit room, and
refrain from using a camera flash.
Submit your report • Send your information to our ACF experts,
who will review your report and take appropriate follow up
action.
• Potential follow-up actions can include related enquiries,
assisting enforcement authorities during raid actions, or e.g.
raising civil and criminal cases, if/as appropriate.
Do not confuse counterfeiting Please mind the difference between
counterfeiting and grey marketing or misrepresentation:
• Grey market products are original HP products that have been
diverted from authorised distribution channels or have been
imported into another country or region without consent and
knowledge of HP as the brand owner. Grey marketing is unlawful in
many countries such as the European Union/EEA2 and entails severe
risks, such as unwittingly buying counterfeits, as fraudsters might
use grey marketing as a pretext to sell fakes as it conveniently
explains lower prices.
• Misrepresentation refers to offers that mislead or might
mislead customers into thinking that they are purchasing original,
brand-new HP products when in reality they are not.1 This may
involve misuse of HP’s IP, such as trademark and imagery, and often
affects online sales.
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© Copyright 2019 HP Development Company, L.P. The information
contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only
warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the
express warranty statements accompanying such products and
services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an
additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or
editorial errors or omissions contained herein.
EMEA = Europe, the Middle East and Africa
Learn more at hp.com/go/anticounterfeit
Overview of security labels on HP ink cartridgesThe table below
summarises which original HP inkjet cartridges come with a label,
relating to the language option and selectability number on the
box. You may have reason to be suspicious if a security label is
missing from products listed in the blue sections.
Language option
Languages on box Selectability numbers Label (Y/N)
BA3 English, Polish, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak 300, 300XL, 301,
301XL, 302, 302XL, 304, 304XL, 336, 337, 338, 339, 342, 343, 344,
350, 350XL, 351, 351XL, 363, 363XL, 364, 364XL
YES
UUQ English, Russian, French, Polish, Czech, Hungarian
21, 21XL, 22, 22XL, 27, 28, 56, 57, 303, 901, 901XL
YES
BGX/BGY BGX: English, German, French, Italian, Dutch,
Russian
BGY: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Czech
903, 903XL, 907XL, 920, 920XL, 932, 932XL, 933XL, 934, 935, 950,
950XL, 951, 951XL, 953, 953XL, 957XL
YES
AR4 English, Turkish 900 YESBFW Russian, Turkish, English,
French, Arabic 21b, 46*, 300b YES445 English, Polish, Hungarian,
Czech, Slovak,
Slovenian, Russian, Turkish703, 704 YES
BHK/BHL BHK: English, Russian, Polish, Hungarian, Czech,
Slovak
BHL: English, French, Arabic, Greek, Turkish, Portuguese
650, 651, 651XL, 652, 652XL, 655 YES
CISMEA multilingual
English, French, Russian 121, 122, 122XL, 123, 123XL, 129, 130,
131, 132, 134, 135, 136, 138, 140, 140XL, 141, 141XL, 177**,
177XL**, 178
YES
CISMEA multilingual
English, Russian, Polish, Czech, Slovak, Turkish, Arabic
GT51XL, GT52 YES
European multilingual
English, German, French, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian
30, 31 YES
European multilingual
English, German, French, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian,
Polish, Czech, Russian
15(DE), 17, 23(D), 45, 78, 78(D), 913A, 970, 970XL, 971, 971XL,
973X
YES
10, 11, 88XL, 110, 348, 940, 940XL NO
ABE/UUS ABE: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian (sometimes
also Turkish and Greek)
UUS: English, German, French, Dutch, Italian, Danish
21, 21XL, 22, 22XL, 27, 28, 56, 57, 62*, 62XL*, 901, 901XL
NO
300, 300XL, 301, 301XL, 302, 302XL, 303, 303XL, 304, 304XL, 336,
337, 338, 339, 342, 343, 344, 350, 350XL, 351, 351XL, 363, 363XL,
364, 364XL
NO
BA1 German, French, Italian, Dutch 363, 363XL, 364, 364XL NO
European combo packaging
English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch,
Polish, Czech, Russian
21/22, 56/57, 300/300, 302, 303, 303XL, 304, 364, 338/343,
350/351, 903XL, 932/933, 950/951, 953XL
NO
Worldwide multilingual
US English, Canadian French, Latin American Spanish, German,
Chinese, simplified Chinese, Brazilian Portuguese
38, 70 (printheads) NO
Where to find selectability numbers and language options on
original HP ink cartridge boxes in EMEA:(caution: cartridge boxes
with multilingual options, instead of language options, have no
indication on the box)
Selectability number
C4902BA3
Language option
* Only available in selected countries; Languages on the box may
differ.
** Due to space restrictions, the security label on HP 177
cartridge boxes obscures the artwork. This unusual positioning is
intentional and, thus, no reason to be suspicious.
This overview is subject to regular updates. Please access the
current version via hp.com
1 For printing supplies, please note that ‘refilled’,
‘remanufactured’, ‘clone’ or ‘compatible’ cartridges are
legitimate, as long as they do not infringe HP’s or other third
party intellectual property rights. However, it is illegal to
package or sell such products in a way that confuses or potentially
confuses customers into believing that they are buying a brand new
genuine HP product, or a product that is associated with or
endorsed by but not manufactured by HP, or in the event that a
product is using HP’s intellectual property without HP’s consent.2
EEA = European Economic Area (European Union + Iceland,
Liechtenstein, Norway)
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