While this Guide will directly address what to look for after you have purchased a Minolta Magicolor 2200 toner cartridge, to determine whether it is in fact new/OEM (as you may have been told by a seller) or remanufactured/refilled, I am sure many of the same identifiers are applicable to other brands of laser toner cartridges.

Once you have received your cartridge, here are some telltale signs that your cartridge most likely is NOT new/OEM:

• Is there a label on the cartridge box that may be indicative of it having been shipped to a third party?
• Check the tape on the box.  Does it look like it was taped more than once?  This is one area the scammers have become VERY GOOD at masking, and they will often make mention of the fact in their auctions that the box does not look or has not been re-taped.
• Upon opening the box containing the cartrdige, does it have the appropriate paperwork that comes with new cartridges (information on recycling AND a return label for recycling once the cartridge is spent)?  In one instance, I received my cartridge and the recycling label was actually on the inside of the shipping box!
• Next, look for damage on the cardboard end holders of the cartridge (see photo).  If the cartridge had been previously removed, there is often significant damage to these end holders with the damage being in an outward direction (which would not be the case if the shipping box was damaged, resulting in damage to the cartridge box--this would create inward damage).
• Also check for damage to the white sleeve holding the cartridge (see photo).  In a remanufactured or refilled cartrdige, there is often damage apparent in this area. 
• Check the tape on the end of the sleeve.  Does it look like it has been replaced or does it look original to the package?
• Upon removing the cartridge from the sleeve, the cartridge will be in a black plastic wrapper.  If one or more of the ends of this wrapper is open, you most surely do NOT have a new/OEM cartrdige.
• Check the bottom of the cartridge for a label stating that it was "Assembled in USA from New and Reconditioned Parts," or some similar language.  The cartridge may also say, "Made in Japan," but this does not necessarily mean it was not a refilled/remanufactured cartridge.  Remember, these scammers have gotten quite good at hiding some of these issues.
• Finally, examine the cartridge itself for scratches and other signs of use.

This is simply a guidelines. Your cartridge may exhibit some or all of these issues.  Buyer beware.  At the first sign you think you might have been had, start taking pictures.  You may need them for a PayPal dispute.  Good luck.