Counterfeit d&b products: how to identify, verify and report suspected fakes.
Genuine d&b performance starts with genuine d&b products.
Counterfeit products affect industries around the world, including professional audio. This page helps you identify suspected d&b counterfeits, verify available product information, report suspicious offers and buy or rent safely through official d&b channels.
Counterfeiting also affects professional audio
Counterfeit products are often associated with consumer goods, but professional audio equipment can also be affected. For d&b, this is not only a brand protection issue. It is about helping customers, rental companies, venues and integrators make informed decisions and avoid products that may compromise performance, safety, reliability or support.
d&b monitors and investigates suspected counterfeit activity and takes appropriate action where needed. This page explains what to look for, what information to provide and how to contact d&b if something appears suspicious.
Why counterfeit products are an issue
Counterfeit products may look like genuine d&b equipment at first glance, but they are not designed, manufactured, tested or supported by d&b. This can create risks for owners, operators and audiences.
How to identify a suspected counterfeit
There is no single indicator that can confirm whether a product is genuine or counterfeit. However, the checks below can help you identify signs that require further review.
Inspect product details
- Are serial numbers visible and consistent across the product and documentation?
- Do labels, markings and fonts look correct and professionally applied?
- Are there unusual rigging components, grilles, screws, connectors or finishes?
Consider the offer
- Is the price significantly below typical market expectations?
- Are unusually large discounts being offered?
- Does the offer feel too good to be true?
Ask d&b
If you are unsure, contact d&b before purchasing, renting or using the product. We can review the information provided and advise on possible next steps.
If an offer seems too good to be true, it should be checked carefully. Unusually low prices, extreme discounts or unclear product histories can be warning signs. If you have doubts about a product or supplier, verify the available information before making a purchase or rental decision.
Serial numbers can also be copied or misused. A serial number check is therefore an important step, but not a standalone guarantee of authenticity. If something seems suspicious, d&b should review the full available information.
Genuine d&b product indicators
- Traceable product history
- Correct labels and markings
- Consistent workmanship and finish
- Purchased or rented through trusted channels
- Access to official d&b support routes
Potential warning signs
- Unclear origin
- Missing or unusual markings
- Inconsistent workmanship or finish
- Unusually low price
- No clear access to official support
Important: Individual characteristics alone do not prove authenticity or counterfeit status. While serial numbers can be a helpful indicator, they should not be considered proof of authenticity on their own. A full assessment requires review by d&b.
Need help checking a product?
If you suspect that a product may be counterfeit, d&b can review the available information, such as serial numbers, photos, seller details and supporting documentation.
Process Steps:
- Step 1: Submit available product information.
- Step 2: d&b reviews the details provided.
- Step 3: We advise on possible next steps and whether further investigation is recommended.
Report a suspected counterfeit
Help us identify and investigate suspicious products, sellers and online offers. If you encounter a suspicious product, reseller, website, marketplace listing or social media account, please share the details with d&b.
Information to include where available:
- Product type and model
- Serial number
- Seller or reseller details
- Company name
- Country or region
- Website, marketplace or social media link
- Product photos
- Additional documentation or communication
The more information you provide, the easier it is for d&b to review the case and decide on appropriate next steps.
Buy or rent safely
The safest way to reduce the risk of counterfeit products is to buy or rent through official d&b distributors, dealers and rental partners. These trusted channels help ensure product origin and provide access to advice, service and support throughout the lifecycle of your system.
By working with official d&b partners, you benefit from:
- Genuine d&b products
- Professional advice and support
- Access to service and warranty processes
- Greater confidence in product origin
- Long-term system support
What d&b is doing against counterfeiting
Counterfeiting affects customers, partners, manufacturers and the wider professional audio industry. d&b combines prevention, education and appropriate enforcement to help protect customers and maintain confidence in the market.
d&b reviews reports of suspicious market activity, provides guidance to help customers identify potential counterfeits, works with the official d&b partner network and takes appropriate action where required.
Still unsure about a product?
Contact d&b and share the available product, seller and serial number information. We will review the details and advise on possible next steps.