I am busy at work today, so short reply....but the tip-off was the enclosed Quick LInk was clearly NOT shimano. The chain itself looks legit but likely a factory leftover. I did some research and the three little boxes under "Shimano" on the box should have at least ONE reflector-like printing and in mine they are all white. I can post pics of the box and chain etc. but likely not until tonight.

I do expect fake chains on aliexpress or low-volume Asian Ebay sellers. But these were domestic sellers I have bought from before and it's entirely possible even the sellers were not aware the chains are fake.