Actually, counterfeits have been reported.
They stopped manufacturing MNKE's in September. The last batches were spoken for...
"About MNKE battery. Right now, MNKE Battery has been reorganized by GCL Group . For our MNKE Battery, our old original major business area are for cordless power tools (widely using IMR18650, also can be for your E-cig products), garden tools, e-bike battery packs, e-scooter battery packs (widely using IMR26650 20-60pcs in a pack), these are our major business, about 85% of total sales amount.
But when GCL group came here in 2012, they brought their E-Bus projects, which using 23000pcs IMR26650 in an E-Bus, they just want to do the E-bus, EV projects, and plan to cancel all or our old business, cut down all our old original business cooperation. Till now, over half of my original colleagues have quit here.
At first, the IMR18650 was paused production for several times, but whatever we still on production. but right now, our MNKE Battery plan to cancel the IMR18650 absolutely, then, it was quickly fully stopped production.
Best regards,
James Tang"
I'd be wary of anyone selling "new" 18650 MNKE batteries.
Reputable vendors are all out of stock, and for a good reason; they can't get new stock because the MNKE 18650
doesn't exist anymore.
I wouldn't trust some eBay seller with a huge supply of them... it's suspect. All it takes for a bulk fake order of a battery is a China factory slapping a wrapper on any ol' battery and Alibaba to sell it. It's eBay from there...
I found a pic of the fake. Notice the difference, the real one has a white collar.