A cell phone purchased by a mainland customer at East Tele Mobile Phone Store in Nape was proven to be counterfeited following a Consumer Council investigation.
According to the latest news from the Council, a visitor from Inner Mongolia bought a Nokia 8800 mobile phone for around 9,000 patacas at the shop in Rua de Cantao in Nape.
The consumer found the phone did not operate properly after going back to Inner Mongolia and thus took it to a repair shop for inspection where he was told the product was fake, the Consumer Council (CC) said.
When the tourist visited Macau again this month, he requested a refund at the shop but was only given part of the original payment.
However, the consumer insisted on a full refund, the CC said, adding the storekeeper's attitude then changed to "hostile" and police were called for assistance.
The mainlander later complained to the Council which carried out an investigation on the matter reported.
Confirmation was given from Nokia's agency in Macau that the purported Nokia 8800 mobile phone was a counterfeit product and was with "very high emulation that only professionals are able to identify it", the CC said.
Due to violation on counterfeiting and tort, the Council forwarded the case to corresponding departments and requested the Macau Mobile Phone Sellers Association to remind its members of lawful business operation.
According to the association, although East Tele Mobile Phone Store is not one of its members, they will still send out reminders to enhance the scope of its rules and regulations in order to maintain the quality and reputation of Macau's mobile phone retail market.
On the other hand, the Council urged customers to purchase mobile phones at credited retailers such as its "Adherents" and "Certified Shops".
Consumers also have the right to request invoices or receipts issued by retailers which should list clear details of the phone purchased including its brand, model number, serial number, and whether it is from authorised dealers or parallel importers, the CC added.
"Consumer Reminder" will be sent to mainland allied units for raising consumers' awareness when making purchase of mobile phones in Macau.