A LOCAL resident surnamed Wang and two of his friends bought three CECT mobile phones at a Global Communication chain store in Longhua, Bao’an District on Jan. 30 last year, each costing more than 1,000 yuan (US$125).

The mobile phones began to break down only three days after being purchased. The three then took the phones to the manufacturer for a test, which confirmed that the phones were counterfeit.

With certification from the company, the three demanded 10 times the worth of the phones in compensation as promised in the invoice offered by the chain store. The shop insisted they got official certification at the Shenzhen quality inspection center. Denied compensation, the three later took the shop to court.

Consumer council’s tip:

The promise of 10 times’ compensation is not just a sales gimmick. Once the purchase contract is fulfilled, the promise will become legally binding, therefore the council supports the claim.(Li Dan)