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OWC Selling Fake MagSafe 2 power adapter?

C

CTYankee

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jul 18, 2002
419
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I just bought a MagSafe 2 from OWC at MacSales.com. I was immediately suspicions and did some testing:

-the green light comes on immediately upon plugging it in.
-the amber light (and likely green) stays on for half a second or so once it is unplugged
-the serial number sticker does not match the color of the charger
-the cord to the mac is thicker and smoother (I can measure with digital calipers later)
-the ID reported in System Profile is 0x0100
-the weight is 8.5oz vs 10.5oz of the original we have

We have dozens of Macs and this is the only one like this. I called Macsales.com and they said they get them directly from Apple and they are original. I am returning it and she said they would look into it.

Fake? Real?
 
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Top is the original Apple charger. Bottom the OWC charger.

Note the serial number label and female plug. The label is a different color and there is a small lip on the plug (easier to see on the right).

I also have video of the light. I'll try and post that later.

IMG_3465.JPG
IMG_3463.JPG
 
The moulding looks a little off, that's usually the only external sign with these things. How much was it? If it was cheap then it's probably fake.

I'd advise you to take it into an Apple Store and have them confirm it for you, if it's fake stop using it as it could potentially cause damage. Otherwise return it and be done with it. Peace of mind is the most important thing and I'd be suspicious of the casing/behaviour of it.
 
New_Mac_Smell said:
The moulding looks a little off, that's usually the only external sign with these things. How much was it? If it was cheap then it's probably fake.

I'd advise you to take it into an Apple Store and have them confirm it for you, if it's fake stop using it as it could potentially cause damage. Otherwise return it and be done with it. Peace of mind is the most important thing and I'd be suspicious of the casing/behaviour of it.
Click to expand...

It was $52 and from OWC, which I regarded as reputable. Not sure now. They said they get them directly from Apple. Not sure how that can be when all indications are this is a knock off.
 
CTYankee said:
It was $52 and from OWC, which I regarded as reputable. Not sure now. They said they get them directly from Apple. Not sure how that can be when all indications are this is a knock off.
Click to expand...

The serial number isn't even on centred! And I see the pin socket has a pointy rather than rounded pin guide. The moulding on that section has injection overrun on the bevel. And the serial number appears to be of inferior ink, and has bled a little. The more I look at this thing the more there is wrong with it. Apple are so pedantic with QC this would never leave the factory (And judging by a few defects I'd be surprised if it was built by the same machines, it's pretty hard to get those defects once things are set up). 99% certain that's a fake.

Honestly if you can take it to Apple do so. If you return it they'll just give you your money back and send it back to the manufacturer, they wouldn't tell you if it's fake or not.
 
I've made an appointment at my Apple Store. I'll get their assessment before I send it back.
 
CTYankee said:
I've made an appointment at my Apple Store. I'll get their assessment before I send it back.
Click to expand...

https://www.yelp.com/biz/other-worl...opup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

The charge light behaviour is an obvious one.

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/...r-adapter-for-macbook-pro-with-retina-display

"...When the connection is secure, an LED located at the head of the DC connector lights up; an amber light lets you know that your notebook is charging, while a green light tells you that you have a full charge..."
 
Clearly this is not a new issue. It seems they know what they are selling and won't change their ways.

OWC is definitely off my list of places that will see my money.
 
CTYankee said:
Clearly this is not a new issue. It seems they know what they are selling and won't change their ways.

OWC is definitely off my list of places that will see my money.
Click to expand...

book appointment with Apple Genius, ask them for expertise, they will give you the paper with expertise, next step report to Police (Special Unit Fighting with Counterfeit items) and show them expertise from Apple
 
great post. The fake chargers always concern me, especially with how much we pay for the toys.
FWIW, I have 5 85W and 1 60W charger and not one of them have the round date sticker.

One thing that is concerning to me is all the 29W chargers, open box, Best Buy seems to have.

Look forward to hearing about the assessment
 
I had one Apple employee look at it wasn't an official opinion, but he found at least five signs it's fake. Some mentioned here and others were:
-MagSafe plug is bigger
-sheathing on the cable is shorter

He also said Apple is very strict about things like this so it can't be a bad batch or different vendor.
 
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Fakes are getting good. but they still don't have the fit/finish of a real one

Do fake chargers still not have the delay before the green LED comes on?
 
robvas said:
Fakes are getting good. but they still don't have the fit/finish of a real one

Do fake chargers still not have the delay before the green LED comes on?
Click to expand...

That is one of the most common and obvious signs. It indicates that the charger is not doing the system/safety check that the real ones do. This is why the fakes are potentially dangerous. They lack some of the internal hardware that has very real safety features to protect you and your equipment.
 
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Wish I had found this thread earlier - I ordered a supposed Apple 85W power adapter this month from OWC, and I am pretty sure it is fake as well (given the weight and the LED immediately coming on upon attaching the MagSafe 2 connector). Within 24 hours, the adapter stopped working completely. It looks original, though the cord is somewhat more "rubbery" feeling.

I bought a new, boxed Apple 85W power adapter today at a local store, and it behaves as expected (LED comes on only after the safety check). So, I can confirm that OWC is still shipping these (same price quoted above), and they still don't measure-up to an Apple OEM power adapter.
 
Did you get any indication from the AG if this has any potential for prosecution or at least action from Mac Sales?
 
I took one glance at the photo and I knew it was fake. That metal stud is an electrical ground. Putting a date sticker on it would be like putting a QA sticker on a power plug prong.
 
Hey guys, thought I might like to share my experience:

Bought a 60W MagSafe 2 from OWC. Arrived in the mail today. Here's a photo of that one alongside an OEM charger. Guess which one is OWC's?

Here's the link to the product I bought:

Apple 60W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter for 13-Inch MacBook Pro

The Apple 60W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter is made specifically for your 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro with Retina display. Includes a 1 year limited warranty.
eshop.macsales.com eshop.macsales.com

Called them today to request a refund. Their response is standard RMA, I pay shipping. Not acceptable. I will be following up with a reversal from my bank, and I'd be happy to take this up with the proper authorities. Where can I direct my help?
 

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www.apple.com

Apple - Legal - Counterfeit Questions

www.apple.com

How was it shipped? USPS actually prohibits shipping counterfeit goods and you can file a case with the postal inspectors.

I’m tempted to order one with USPS shipping and see what shows up and do a full tear down this time. As well as tests with a multimeter.
 
A warning sign to me is lack of an Apple warranty and it's bulk packed. Apple only sells retail-packaged MagSafe adapters in their stores.

OWC's wording could be interpreted as being misleading and/or ambiguous but I'm not sure that this causes their product to fall into the "counterfeit" territory.

All this being said, Apple does have different manufacturers for their equipment so the difference in adapter markings/lettering is not new.

Personally, I look in my local classifieds if I need a replacement adapter. I live in a big city so there are lots of OEM versions for sale. I've been buying/using Macs for long enough that I can usually tell a fake from genuine.
 
Audit13 said:
OWC's wording could be interpreted as being misleading and/or ambiguous but I'm not sure that this causes their product to fall into the "counterfeit" territory.
Click to expand...

they are not authentic. They have the Apple logo and markings that suggest Apple made/designed products. Talking with and in writing from OWC staff they claim 100% authentic and direct from Apple.
So pretty much these are the definition of counterfeit.
 
asnell910 said:
Hey guys, thought I might like to share my experience:

Bought a 60W MagSafe 2 from OWC. Arrived in the mail today. Here's a photo of that one alongside an OEM charger. Guess which one is OWC's?

Here's the link to the product I bought:

Apple 60W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter for 13-Inch MacBook Pro

The Apple 60W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter is made specifically for your 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro with Retina display. Includes a 1 year limited warranty.
eshop.macsales.com eshop.macsales.com

Called them today to request a refund. Their response is standard RMA, I pay shipping. Not acceptable. I will be following up with a reversal from my bank, and I'd be happy to take this up with the proper authorities. Where can I direct my help?
Click to expand...

Apple would NEVER use the font in the caution statement on the bottom one.

And on that note, the font looks like it changes starting with the second line.

Welp, OWC will be off my list for ever buying anything at all.
 
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