Is this a fake VTC5?

[scratchtheweasel]

I think I may have fake VTC5 batteries. Can anyone help answer a few questions?

1. Has anyone purchased verified authentic VTC5's from Amazon seller R-lsales?
2. Will all VTC5's have "Sony 31" printed on the battery?

I ordered two VTC4's from RTD Vapor, which I believe are authentic. These have "Sony 31" printed on the battery. The VTC5's were ordered from Amazon before I did my homework, and these do not have the "Sony 31" marking on them. There are also some alignment issues on the Amazon batteries and I've read that this is a good sign that they are not authentic.

Out of curiosity does anyone have any speculation on why Sony is not making greater strides to prevent fakes? AW seems to be doing a better job at fraud protection.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Despraci]

An authentic VTC5 will have in very light letters, beside the 3D barcode "SE US18650VTC5". It could still have this and be a fake though.

Most sellers out a sticker on them, so it's easier to read.

 

[scratchtheweasel]

Despraci, hello to a fellow forum goer from PA! Thanks for your reply. Mine has the light letters, but from some of the pictures I've seen of fakes they have those too. I was hoping the missing "Sony 31" would be a tell-tale.

This is what it looks like:

 

[Despraci]

Greetings. Nope, mine do not have that either and I am 100% sure mine are authentic. You can sometimes tell by the battery top design.

 

[Stratmarsh]

Crap, I have some coming from the same seller.

 

[scratchtheweasel]

Crap, I have some coming from the same seller.

For all I know these may be 100% legit. My reasons for concern were a few of the comments and answers to questions on the Amazon listing as well as the general advice I've seen given to others to buy batteries from known legitimate vendors. RTD Vapor is one of the ones I trust now, and will look to buy my batteries there in the future. As for these batteries I'm not sure what their fate will be. For now I have them boxed and I'm using VTC4's I bought from RTD.

 

[Susan~S]

How to Spot Fake Sony Batteries

I only buy batteries from a reputable dealer (not ebay or Amazon) as there are many counterfeit batteries being sold. Here are a few reputable suppliers in the US.

* Illumination Supply
* Lighthound
* Orbtronics
* RTD Vapor