Medium riskMarketplace Scams

Counterfeit Parts Scam

In this scam, counterfeit or substandard spare parts, such as car components, phone batteries, or appliance parts, are sold as genuine at low prices, risking safety and failure as well as wasted money.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Counterfeit goods (spare parts)
Main red flag
'Genuine' spare parts sold well below normal by an unverified seller.
What to do first
Buy parts from authorised dealers and verify part numbers and packaging.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, counterfeit or substandard spare parts, such as car components, phone batteries, or appliance parts, are sold as genuine at low prices, risking safety and failure as well as wasted money.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Genuine OEM part, brand new, half price! In stock, pay by transfer for fast shipping.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • 'Genuine' parts priced well below normal
  • No authorised dealer or warranty
  • Vague part numbers or mismatched packaging
  • Payment by transfer with no protection
  • A seller with no verifiable history

What to do

  • Buy from authorised dealers or reputable suppliers
  • Verify part numbers, packaging, and warranty
  • Be wary of safety-critical parts sold cheaply
  • Pay with a method you can dispute

If you already clicked or replied

  • If parts are fake or substandard, stop using them, especially safety-critical ones
  • Open a dispute with your payment provider or platform
  • Keep the listing, packaging, and messages as evidence
  • Report the seller

What not to do

  • Do not fit counterfeit safety-critical parts
  • Do not buy 'genuine' parts far below market
  • Do not pay by irreversible methods

Similar scams

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Counterfeit Designer Goods Scam

In this scam, a seller lists counterfeit designer items as authentic at tempting prices, often with stock photos, and ships a fake, a lower-quality copy, or nothing at all.
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Refurbished Electronics Scam

In this scam, a seller advertises phones, laptops, or consoles as 'refurbished' or 'certified', but the devices are faulty, counterfeit, locked, or far lower grade than claimed, with no real warranty.
High risk Marketplace

Fake Supplier Scam

A fake wholesale or B2B supplier advertises bulk goods at prices that beat the market, then asks for payment by bank transfer. Some vanish after the first order, while others build trust with small, genuine deliveries before disappearing on a large one. Because bank transfers offer little recourse, recovering the money is often very difficult.

Frequently asked questions

Why are counterfeit parts dangerous?
Beyond wasting money, fake car, battery, or appliance parts can fail or cause fires and accidents. Safety-critical parts especially should be genuine.
How do I verify a part is genuine?
Buy from authorised dealers, check part numbers and packaging, confirm the warranty, and be wary of 'genuine' parts sold far below market.
I bought a counterfeit part. What now?
Stop using it, especially if safety-critical, open a dispute with your payment provider or platform, keep evidence, and report the seller.
Is a half-price genuine part realistic?
Rarely. Deep discounts on 'genuine' parts often mean counterfeits. Verify the source and packaging before buying.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.