i nearly once bought a fake jap tele... here are some details that determined that it was indeed an imitation...
1. the serial number... check the date if it matches the condition of the guitar. In my case, yung date implied sa SN was an 80's one pero mukhang fresh pa din yung guitar like bnew
2. yung serial number parang nakadikit lng sa neck
3. frets were a bit sharp and were definitely cheap looking
4. if possible, look closely at the body, inspect it under the pickguard, bka plywood din
5. try to determine if its indeed ash, basswood or alder although you'll need some experience here
6. iba yung feel ng neck sa mga imitation... dont know why pero for me iba talaga...
7. kung papayag yung mayari, check mo din yung neck and body, usually may date yun kung kelan ginawa
8. subjectively, if mura lng binebenta mejo magduda ka na.. either hot item yun or imitation most probably
8. if you are really not sure, ask a friend na may alam to come along..
btw... di ba po yung MIM standard tele... maple fretboard lng ang nilabas ng fender?