Fake parts can hardly surprise car drivers, but too many of them believe this problem regards only original OEM parts. Sad to say, alternatives can be fake as well, and this tendency grows. Let's figure out how to detect a fake.
There are 2 types of fakes: explicit bootleg (illegal use of the original logo) and imitation (another brand, but similar design). The latter are easier to detect, just look carefully at the brand name and logo. For example, some parts like in the picture below, which copy the Masuma brand design, can be found in China.
A fake part with a stolen logo is harder to detect, in this case Masuma has a few signs of protection.
Protective Hologram and QR Code
The packages with the original Masuma production contain a protective hologram with the brand logo and a QR-code, which can be scanned with a phone camera for online verification. Also, you can manually enter the verification code from the hologram on the following page verify.masuma.com. The number for every part is automatically generated and does not ever repeat.
Branded Wrap
Masuma products are wrapped in branded film. It can be bubble wrap or dense polyethylene, depending on the product category.
Engraving
The original Masuma spare parts have the logo and the numbers of the article and the batch engraved with laser. The batch number must match on the package appropriately. A fake may have the logo roughly engraved, and the other information may be missing.
