How to spot a fake GPX5000 - NEW MEMBERS (or new users)

Thought I would start a post to put up photo's & other information to help people with spotting a fake GPX5000.
For many this is a pretty big investment & to be duped by an unscrupulous seller would be shattering especially if you couldn't recover your cash.

Not all fakes are the same so the more info that can be compiled here the better.

Minelab help:
http://www.minelab.com/consumer/where-to-buy/buyer-beware
http://www.minelab.com/aus/consumer/where-to-buy/counterfeit-update
http://www.minelab.com/aus/consumer/where-to-buy/buyer-beware/counterfeit-manufacturers
http://www.minelab.com/__files/f/85458/counterfeit

About six photos here from Gold City Detecting showing some differences:k
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=281411912006442&set=pcb.281412255339741&type=1&theater

Short video:



This is one of the quickest & easiest ways to spot a fake. The below picture is of a real, genuine GPX5000.
Notice the curvy looking font used


The below picture is of a fake machine recently purchased by a member.
Notice the font - it is straight & doesn't have the fine curves of the genuine machine font + is noticeably different:


Checklist for making a purchase (especially off eBay etc. or used):
1. Get the serial number
2. Get the place/date of purchase details - ask for an invoice
3. If possible check the security sticker hologram
4. Verify all of the details with Minelab - don't just check the serial number as some fakes have a correct number on them. Get Minelab to cross reference it with the other details like place of purchase/date of purchase etc. They can & will supply this info.
http://www.minelab.com/aus/contact-us-3
Email details to: minelab@minelab.com.au
If you have the hologram:
Step 1:   Go to the SMS function on your mobile phone

Step 2:   Enter the number: + 61 458 727 727 into the 'To' field

Step 3:   In the text field enter:  Product Serial Number press SPACE then enter the hidden word or code from your security label

Step 4:   Press Send

Step 5:   Await response from Minelab

5. Once you pay (or even beforehand with the sellers ok) immediately contact Minelab to transfer any warranty that may be remaining on the machine into your name. Minelab warranty is transferrable & is quick/easy to do.
Email: minelab@minelab.com.au

ALARM BELLS:
- Seller won't supply serial number
- Seller won't supply purchase details/invoice
- Seller does not offer inspection or pick up
- 1 or more checks can't be verified by Minelab
- Font looks unusual/different
- The price seems "to good to be true"
- Spelling mistakes or incorrect sentences on labelling

If you have any other pics or info post it up here.
I will update if I come across anything else that may save someone from being ripped off.

Great post mbasko   Notice too,on the pics of the control box...the little 'wavelength' symbol on the real 5000 compared to the fake 5000   

Excellent post, and very relevant at the moment.
Thank you.

Speaking of Fakes.
http://chinacoalintl.com/plist-98-1?gclid=CMbQkfWa9sICFVgrvQodXRQAvQ

WOW   you can also find Diamonds with the China  GPX 5000        http://chinacoalintl.com/pd-1999#.VKhuqyuUce0

Cheap Portable Diamond Metal detector GPX4500 / GPX5000
Other Names:Portable Diamond Metal detector; GPX4500/GPX5000 gold detector

Product Introduction
Main features:
1.High-brightness LCD panel can generally displays the detected metal type according to the signal strength.
2.The all-metal detection mode is suitable for searching metal objects on the ground,
and can be used as simple recognition of metals.
3.In addition to LCD panel display, it can distinguish metal types by tones
4.11-inch disk waterproof probe that can detect in the shallow water.
5.Equipped with an external headphone jack ,connected to a single-channel headphones (headset-owned), easy to use
6.built-in high-capacity rechargeable battery,Worked continuously for more than ten hours when full of power(with charger)

Main Parameter
1.Max Depth:1~7m
2.Signal Frequency:9.6KHz
3.Audio Frequency : 400Hz
4.Power Supply:DC12V
5.Power Consumption:0.8W
6.Connecting Rod Length: 1.3m
7.Coil dimension:40cm
8.Net Weight:6Kg
9.Gross Weight:13kg
10.Package Size:800*360*190mm
Packing List:
1.Detector Host
2.host backpack
3.Power box
4.1 PC coil or two coils
5.A Set of Detecting connection rod(2 pieces as a set)
6.arm cup
7.hand supports
8.recharge
9.Signal wire
10.Product manual


George

Va 9.6khz signal frequency might be a clue to ut beein a vlf aye. Uverwize ut iz a bit ard ta pick frum va original ML GPX5000
Not sure why someone has not Nucleared out those dodgy gpx5000 manufacturing plants.

For got to bring up .The 12 volt running voltage in the specs of the GPX 5000 Diamond detector is a bit of a give way. Would be interesting to see the battery set up if it was 12 volts and the plug set up on the battery supplied with the unit. Battery would make a mess if plugs are the same and it was plugged in to a genuine unit. If there are fake batteries on the market it would be advisable of checking the voltage of the supply before plugging in to your unit and the wiring of the pins.

George

Guest wrote:don't just check the serial number as some fakes have a correct number on them.f.

I wonder how they get the genuine serial numbers?, its like there is a mole at the factory

Nugget Head wrote:

Guest wrote:don't just check the serial number as some fakes have a correct number on them.f.

I wonder how they get the genuine serial numbers?, its like there is a mole at the factory

More than likely from genuine machines used to copy from, ads for genuine machines showing serial numbers etc. One number obtained could be used on hundreds of the fakes.
Before I purchased my 5000 I actually came across one. The serial number given to me belonged to a machine sold in a different state by a different dealer in a completely different year to what the seller was saying. Thats why its important to check all details like date, dealer etc. match up.
That seller ended up fessing up & telling me he suspected it was fake but wasn't sure

easier than all that rubbish as you stated it is a large purchase outlay of cash.

SO JUST BE 100% SAFE AND SURE AND ONLY BUY FROM MINELAB CERTIFIED DEALERS.

assured of a cash or new detector replacement if anything is not right. You will pay top dollar more than a second hand one but piece of mind security worth it and first good nuggett will pay for it , a five ounces should do the job. Regards krakenup ken.

Rubbish?
It's a nice notion to only deal with certified dealers Ken but in the real world the vast majority of machines are offered for private sale. If the above rubbish saves or has saved one person I'm happy!
It's even more relevant now as dealers can't/won't take trade ins on the new flagship. Lot more people selling privately.
Find many 5 ounce nuggets do you?

The have heard the new copies are exactly the same in appearance except the lower shaft is made of plastic and not fiberglass like they should.

oops where am I?