Looks like scumbags are counterfeiting 'normal' strings now — not just the expensive ones like elixirs.
I bought on ebay three packs of d'addario EJ15 .010-.047 phosphor bronze strings for my new (to me) guild acoustic guitar.
I thought it odd that the seller sent the following message the day after I placed the order:
This raised suspicions, as if they knew there will be a problem. Obviously reporting any problems without going through via ebay is a no-no and raises a huge red flag.
The strings turned up today with the card outer sleeve looking absolutely correct, and the silver/grey inner bag also printed as expected and looking genuine, however the serial/players circle code on each is identical, and when entered on the d'addario website, the number was shown to be genuine but one that had already been redeemed.
I have reported to d'addario and raised a return on ebay (despite the seller pre-emptively saying not to) and I am currently waiting to hear back.
Might have to take a walk down to the local music shop tomorrow to get some real ones.