A Suspicious Development in the Mobile Phone Market / Important Warning to Buyers

Reports indicate violations in the sale of some mobile phones.

Iran's Tablet and Accessories Department, Meisham Dostmohammadi, said on Tuesday: The review of the reported reports shows that in some cases, the IMEI identifiers used in devices sold as mobile phones were originally assigned to other equipment, including point of sale (POS) devices. If this issue is confirmed through technical investigations and inquiries from the relevant authorities, it indicates the existence of serious problems in the process of identifying and supplying these devices, and doubles the necessity of dealing with the origin of the entry and the manner of their supply.

He added: Based on the information and investigations presented in this field, the main issue is related to the activity of groups that operate outside the official and valid network of import, distribution and after-sales services, and in these areas, they do not have the status and credit that can be verified in the legal network of the guild. In the discussed cases, the import of the goods, its supply and even the registration of the warranty have not been done through the reliable and well-known companies that operate in the official market network. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully check the origin of these goods, the identity of the suppliers, and the credibility of the companies introduced as warranty service providers.

The spokesperson of the Board of Directors of the Association of Mobile Phones, Tablets and Accessories of Iran emphasized the need to distinguish between official operators and unofficial channels of product supply and clarified: the reputable importing companies and authorized operators of the distribution network operate in compliance with regulations and legal processes. Therefore, the responsibility for possible violations of collections that operate outside this network should not be extended to official importers and authorized trade unions without checking the documents. It is necessary to protect the rights of consumers and the credibility of legal market operators by accurately identifying the source of the violation and the role of each of the involved parties.

Dostmohammadi continued: When there are deficiencies in the infrastructure systems and monitoring processes, the scope for abuse to supply goods from unofficial channels becomes more available. But the consequences of this event will eventually be noticed by the consumer who bought it by trusting the appearance of the product; Also, the virtual trade unit that may have offered it to the customer without knowing about the device ID problem, is exposed to customer dissatisfaction and problems caused by this situation.

He pointed out: If the ID is confirmed to be invalid or does not comply with the device registration criteria, there is a possibility of network service interruption and antenna loss. In such a situation, the consumer faces a device that may lose the ability to use mobile phone services normally, and the seller also faces the consequences of selling it; While the main source of the problem may have been beyond the authority and knowledge of this trade union.

The spokesperson of the Board of Directors of the Iranian Mobile Phone, Tablet and Accessories Association, referring to the coordination of trade unions to inform the people, said: In this regard, the Iranian Mobile Phone, Tablet and Accessories Association and related unions in Tehran and other cities, with the aim of preventing consumer losses and supporting the official market network, have informed trade union activists and the public about the necessity of checking the authenticity of the IMEI identifier before purchasing through their official information channels and platforms.

He added: This notification will not be limited to these cases, and due to the importance of the issue and the necessity of public awareness, notification will be followed through widely circulated newspapers and other media and press authorities so that buyers are aware of possible risks before making a transaction. The purpose of this action is not to cause concern in the market; Rather, it is to prevent the loss of people, to increase the accuracy at the time of purchase and to prevent the repetition of such incidents.

Dostmohammadi further emphasized to the mobile phone buyers: Our serious advice is that before finalizing the purchase, the buyers must inquire about the IMEI ID of the device through the official system of the peer and make sure that the ID matches the specifications of the phone. It is also necessary to check the validity of the warranty and the company providing after-sales service, and buyers receive a valid invoice, because checking these items before buying can prevent possible damages.

He said: We expect the responsible institutions to prevent the repetition of such cases by investigating system gaps, identifying informal supply routes and modifying control processes. Protecting the rights of consumers, maintaining the credibility of the official import and distribution network, and supporting legal businesses, requires the continuous cooperation of responsible institutions and trade unions.