China launches phone hotline in wake of Apple fakes

ANOTHER 22 fake Apple Stores have been discovered in China, just weeks after authorities shut down two such shops, according to reports.
The fake shops — all found within the city of Kunming and sporting the famous Apple signage — have since been ordered to stop using the logo, state-run China National Radio said.

China is home to the biggest counterfeit market in the world, despite repeated government pledges to root out fake goods.

The discovery last month by an American blogger of a fake Apple Store in Kunming so convincing even some of the staff thought they worked for the real company caused a storm of publicity around the world.

Chinese authorities moved quickly to close down that store, but since then several more fake shops have been found.

The Apple website lists just four official stores in China — two in Beijing and two in Shanghai — although many more are authorised to sell its products.

Chinese authorities last month reportedly closed two fake Apple Stores in Kunming after an investigation of 300 IT stores in the city.

The China National Radio report said authorities had set up a complaints hotline for the public to help them track down pirated goods and shops in the wake of the Apple Store frauds.

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A fake Apple Store in China, discovered by blogger Bird Abroad. Picture: birdabroad.wordpress.com


China launches phone hotline in wake of Apple fakes | Information, Gadgets, Mobile Phones News & Reviews | Perth Now