Fake Zebra LP2844 Scam Alert, LP 2844, Eltron 2543 Thermal Label Printer

Before you buy a Zebra / Eltron LP 2844 thermal label printer, please beware that there are fake units out there. By asking a couple of questions and knowing the obvious signs, you can rule out the counterfeit units.

A genuine LP 2844 should have a USB port on the back and the printer uses a DC 20V 2.5A power adapter.

A typical fake unit that's being sold as a LP 2844 is usually a rebadged older LP 2543 that doesn't have a USB port and uses an AC 16V 4A power adapter. The bottom label is usually peeled off and reattached with a low quality fake label. If you want to dig deeper, the manufacturing date printed on the fake label will not correlate with the manufacturing date printed on the circuit board (simply remove three (LP 2844) or four (LP 2543) screws to access the circuit board). For example, 2007 printed on the label with a 1997 circuit board.

Both older and newer models have parallel and serial ports.

Ask two questions before buying:

1. Does it have a USB port on the back?
2. Does it use a DC 20V 2.5A power adapter?

Above all, avoid sellers that include tiny, blurry or  no pictures!! If there's a picture of the back of the printer, make sure there's a USB port. Some units don't come with power adapters, so you need to ask question 1.

If you've already purchased a fake unit, politely ask for a full refund with return shipping on the seller and point out the USB port and power adapter discrepancies. You're giving the seller a chance to make it right and trying to get your money back. Report the seller and alert the credit card issuer (always pay with a CC) if all else fails.

Compute with care.