Why buy HP - fraud information

»  What is counterfeiting and (product) fraud? »  How can I tell if I have genuine HP print cartridges? »  Why you should care »  What you can do »  How can you avoid being a victim

	What is counterfeiting and (product) fraud?

Counterfeiting is defined as the unauthorized application or use of a trade mark on goods that do not originate from or with the approval of the brand owner. Generally, there is a clear intention to deceive and imitate the quality of the original product.

Counterfeiting is not the same as refilling or remanufacturing, which are legitimate industries. A refilled or remanufactured product is not counterfeit unless it is packaged or sold in a way that confuses, or is likely to confuse, a customer into believing they are buying a genuine HP product.

What is fraud?

Fraud is an act of deceiving or misrepresenting. Fraud is an intentional misrepresentation or concealment of information in order to deceive or mislead. It is an intentional perversion of the truth, intended to induce a person to part with something of value, usually money.

While fraud can occur, and generally does, without the presence of counterfeit products, counterfeiting by nature is a form of fraud.

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	How can you avoid being a victim

Check the Security Label

	•	Look for the security label. Security labels are on all HP LaserJet print cartridges. In addition security labels are on all small format InkJet cartridges in Latin America, Asia-Pacific. In Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the vast majority of small format Inkjet cartridges carry the HP security label. In the US, Canada and Western Europe, most small format Inkjet cartridges do not carry the HP security label.

Ordering products or wording of an RFQ (request for quote)

	•	Be very specific about which cartridge you want to order to avoid misunderstandings with vendors. Do not request, "a print cartridge for the HP LaserJet 4." Rather, request the "HP 92298A print cartridge the HP LaserJet 4."
	•	Do not use the term "equivalent" as this allows the vendor to define what's "equivalent".
	•	In written contracts, specify: •  No substitutions without written consent. •  Vendor certifies that product is authentic. Any product found to be counterfeit will be brought to the attention of authorities and will be subject to confiscation and nonpayment. This makes it very clear that you are aware of counterfeit products and will take action if the vendor attempts to use them under the contract.

Knowing the signs

	•	Review the above information regarding quality, price, packaging, and deceptive marketing practices.

Communicate scams

	•	Advise fellow employees when you receive a suspicious e-mail or telemarketing calls. Note the caller's name and company. Many times this type of spam will be directed to multiple telephone numbers or e-mail addresses within the company.

Seek references

	•	Ask the vendor for references.

	How can I tell if I have genuine HP print cartridges?
Buy with confidence! Check the colour-shifting seal by turning the box from side to side. The background colour and lettering 'ORIGINAL TONER' should alternate between dark blue and light blue.

Quality

	•	Poor or inconsistent print quality is a primary indicator of non-original products.
	•	HP's print cartridges are among the most reliable in the world. The failure rate is less than 1 in 100.

Price

	•	If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. HP does not "fire sale" print supplies or sell "factory seconds."

Packaging

	•	Non-standard packaging or packaging that appears to have been opened can be an indicator of counterfeit products.
	•	Security labels are placed on all toner cartridge packages.

Deceptive marketing

	•	Telemarketers may represent themselves as an HP employee, or an affiliate of HP. HP does not sell supplies directly via telemarketing.
	•	Be wary of offers for cartridges that yield 2 or more times more than the standard HP cartridge.
	•	Watch for offers of 'a free evaluation' or new products offered exclusively from the caller's company.
	•	Free product offers are many times followed by a requirement to purchase extras.
	•	Be wary of telemarketers that are unwilling to provide customer references.
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	Why you should care

When you purchase genuine HP supplies, you are buying the quality and proven reliability that HP provides. HP printing supplies offer consistently clear and sharp output.
Poor print quality and unreliable cartridges are primary indicators of counterfeit products. Poor print quality may require you to reprint your output, which is time, energy, and money wasted. We want you to be as proud of your work as we are of ours.
Leaking toner or ink cartridges and clogged inkjet nozzles can damage the printer and may be costly to repair.
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	What you can do

HP is committed to our customers and will vigorously defend our customers' trust in HP quality and reliability. We will protect our customers from anyone who would use our good name to deceive them. We will investigate reports of fraudulent product and will take appropriate legal action. Please use one of the following two options to report suspicious products or activities.
U.S. and Canada
phone toll free: 877-219-3183
»	Report form in English
»	Europe, Middle East and Africa
»	Mexico, Central America and South America
»	China, India and Asia Pacific

»	Frequently asked questions
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