The cartridge developed by HP to load its various lines of laser printers is a sophisticated piece of engineering marvel because 2/3 of the entire image development is processed by this printer component. So, if the cartridge is taken out of the printer, what is left is just a shell of metal and plastic - the support structure of the printer. It is no wonder that looking for a suitable replacement HP laser toner cartridge is important because fake aftermarket products are also available alongside OEM counterparts. Look alike OEM HP laser toner cartridge.A significant part of fake cartridges peddled around is for HP laser printers because of the popularity of the product. As the biggest selling printer globally, the demand for its printer consumablesis complimentary. Since there is an immense demand for these cartridges, other parties cashed-in by providing unsuspecting consumers fraudulent look-alike. At today's era where anything and everything is possible, manufacturing a product to look similar to the OEM is no longer impossible - fake products that entirely fool consumers. Distinguishing an OEM from fakes is almost impossible.Although HP has built-in safeguards incorporated into the OEM cartridge, looking at it simply is quite demanding. Safeguards like an HP logo, a security seal, and even the pull-tab are not adequate because counterfeiters have become sophisticated in the trade and can duplicate almost anything. Actually, the final gauge on an HP cartridge authenticity is the print quality that the counterfeit cannot come close. However, then it is too late because the consumer has already invested before knowing that the printer consumableis fake. The cost of the HP laser toner all indications, the price of the cartridge will indicate an OEM from counterfeits. Due to the sophisticated nature of the HP cartridge, plus the hassle-free performance it delivers, consumers can expect a higher price. Producing the HP cartridge follows through years of research, thorough testing, a lot of man-hours and money - so a fair price is just compensatory. Counterfeit printer consumablesare just copies and are sold way below the OEM, so if the price is too tempting, expect the product to be an imitation. HP's no deep discounts policy on cartridges.Implemented in all accredited HP distributors and retailers, so expect a relatively uniform pricing on the HP lasertoner cartridges around the country. HP does not even offer factory seconds in abeyance to its no deep discounts policy. Loyal consumers are therefore warned, if the retailer or distributor offers HP cartridges way below the current cost parameters, conclude that the concerned cartridges are counterfeits, and must be used cautiously as replacement printer consumables. Final warning, if the price is too good to be true, the toner cartridge is not produced by HP and materially or technically fake.