/r/CeXverifying

Photograph via snooOG

This subreddit is used to document which CeX stores in the UK and beyond sell fake games/consoles. We do not verify that the phones, laptops, submarines TV's, VR headsets and any other devices sold in CeX stores are legitimate, only console-related items.

/r/CeXverifying

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Which CeX stores have been selling counterfeit merchandise? Why is this important?

As per our work with r/gameverifying, this subreddit is used to document which CeX stores have been selling counterfeit games.

Over the past 3 years, we have seen a vast improvement in CeX's methods in weeding out fake games, but there's still work to do. We have been consulting with CeX's franchise managers to educate their employees, and hopefully eliminate counterfeits from all CeX stores. Due to the high stock turnover of CeX's stores, we cannot fully verify that stores that have been selling counterfeit games, remain to do so and vice-versa.

The below table is ordered via the Store's ID from uk.webuy.com.

Store IDLocationFakes on Display?Fakes on Shelf?Visit DateNotes
44NottinghamYesNoOctober 2022N/A
61HullNoCover ReprintsSeptember 2022N/A
117SloughYesCover ReprintsMarch 2023N/A
123IlfordNoNoFebruary 2023N/A
163Great YarmouthYesCover ReprintsSeptember 2023N/A
166Milton KeynesNoNoApril 2023N/A
267BeestonNoNoOctober 2022N/A
328WellingboroughNoNoJune 2023N/A
1046Vilanova MaciàNoYesAugust 20232x fakes, 1x ordered from other store
3025Stratford-upon-AvonNoCover ReprintsMay 2022N/A
3225Coventry Arena ParkNoCover ReprintsMay 2023N/A

Why is this important?

In the United Kingdom, selling counterfeit goods is a crime, with maximum penalties of up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to £100,000.

If you believe that you have bought a fake game/console/accessory from CeX, do not hesitate to post on r/gameverifying, following their relevant criteria. If your game has been verified as fake, proceed to do the following (with verification post on a mobile device):

It's been over 30 days but less than 6 months since you bought the item:

  • Return to the store in question you bought the game from. The store should legally replace the item, or give you store credit in return if they cannot replace it (up until 6 months after you paid for it).
    • Ensure that you retain your receipt! This makes the process much more smoother with CeX. If you do not have a receipt, say this to an employee, or ask for a manager:
    • "I have a right to a refund under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, because this item is counterfeit. Here is the reasoning for why this is fake".

It's been over 6 months since you bought the item.

  • You’re entitled to a part-refund depending on how much you’ve used the item and how long you’ve had it. This varies from store-to-store.

If the store refuses to give you a refund:

  • Sometimes, stores can refuse a return of counterfeit games if you don't have the receipt, or you haven't got proof that the game is fake.

    • This is why we highly recommend that you use your verification post from r/gameverifying as proof of being a counterfeit. r/gameverifying has a multitude of verification guides to aid you in getting your money back. They’re breaking the law by selling fake items and your legal rights still apply.
  • If you paid by debit card:

    • Contact your bank and say you want to use the ‘chargeback scheme’.
  • If you paid by credit card:

    • If the item cost less than £100, you should contact your credit card company and say you want to use the ‘chargeback scheme’.
    • If the item cost between £100 and £30,000, contact your credit card company and say that you want to make a ‘section 75’ claim to get your money back.

Do not forget about reporting the store in question to Trading Standards. You’re not legally obliged to report someone selling fake goods, but it might stop other people accidentally buying fakes from them in future.

What about reprinted covers?

Games sold as "reprinted covers" at CeX are not eligible as counterfeit titles, but are often the same price as their CIB counterparts. These are commonly on the shelf, or high-value versions being rarely located within the glass displays.

I've noticed some counterfeits in a CeX store. What should I do?

Drop a comment below with the following information:

  • Store Name
  • Location of fakes (display/shelf)
  • Amount of fakes (a rough estimate will suffice)
  • Date of visit (exact day not needed)

Any identifying information will be redacted, and shared with franchise managers/head office.

11 Comments
2023/09/08
13:09 UTC

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