Vertu (U.K) manufactures a wide range of uber expensive but nonetheless great looking mobile phones.  However, it didn't take long for Chinese manufacturers to come out with their own range of Vertu replicas.  Some blatantly imprint the Vertu brand on their phones whilst others strandle the perhaps safer line of using sound-a-like names..for example: Veptu, Verto, Verto.. I think you get the idea.  Lets focus on the Vertu branded replicas...these set out to copy the original phones to a tee, at least cosmetically.  Internally its a different ball game, the replicas do not use the same internal electronics as the originals. Mind you there is nothing overtly special about the electronics of the original Vertu phones, however the replicas electronics are vastly inferior.

How to spot a replica.. Almost all replicas do not offer 3G or quad band support, rather dual or tri band.  Some have the same serial number as all other replicas of that particular model. ie: Most signature S replicas have the serial S000157.  Ask the seller if the phone can be registered with Vertu , if it cannot then its a replica.  There are many other ways of knowing if its a replica or not but it depends on the model in question. If in doubt, contact me and I'll be happy to look at the auction in question and give you my opinion..fake or not. There have been many occasions where I've seen an eBayer pass off a replica as an original and make $5,000 plus for their efforts and sadly they get away with it. Yes, I alerted ebay on each occasion but nothing happened. Recently (6/2009) I haplessly watched an Australian eBay member make a clean $6000 or a poor unsuspecting buyer..they paid $6100 for a $300 replica :(

Please do your homework before you buy a Vertu online..  Even if the seller swears its original don't trust them, ask them to provide a copy of the receipt that shows it was purchased from an authorized Vertu reseller, or proof that it has or can be registered with Vertu concierge.  Keep in mind also Vertu does not permit any of its resellers to sell their products online.  Further more contact Vertu if there is any doubt in your mind that the unit may be a replica. If a replica is what you want then fine, but don't pay more than $400 USD for one, type into google Vertu and replica you'll be surprised how many online Chinese sellers sell their own version of the Vertu line up.

Cheers!