How to Spot Fake Funko Pops: A Comprehensive Guide

Funko Pops are a popular collectible and can be a great investment. However, with their popularity comes an increase in counterfeit items, which can be difficult to spot for the untrained eye. Luckily, there are some key features to look for that will help you distinguish between real and fake Funko Pops.

How can I tell if a Funko Pop is real or fake?

There are several ways to tell if a Funko Pop is real or fake. Here are some key things to look for:

The Box:

The box is often the first giveaway that a Funko Pop is fake. Here are some things to look for:

• The window: The window on a real Funko Pop box is crystal clear and has no imperfections. Fake boxes often have a cloudy or scratched window.
• The sticker: The sticker on the box should be perfectly aligned and have sharp edges. Fake stickers are often misaligned or have blurry edges.
• The printing: The printing on a real Funko Pop box is high quality and even. Fake boxes often have blurry or uneven printing.
• The UPC code: The UPC code on the box should be accurate and scannable. Fake boxes often have incorrect or invalid UPC codes.

The Pop:

• The paint: The paint on a real Funko Pop is smooth and even. Fake Pops often have uneven paint, drips, or runs.
• The eyes: The eyes on a real Funko Pop are usually perfectly symmetrical and have a clear glaze. Fake Pops often have mismatched or cloudy eyes.
• The seams: The seams on a real Funko Pop are clean and even. Fake Pops often have rough or uneven seams.
• The weight: Real Funko Pops are generally heavier than fake Pops. This is because real Pops are made with high-quality materials.

The Price:

If a Funko Pop is being sold for a significantly lower price than its market value, it is likely a fake. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Where You Buy From:

It is always best to buy Funko Pops from reputable retailers. This will help to ensure that you are getting a real product.

What are the most common signs of a fake Funko Pop?

There are several common signs of a fake Funko Pop. These include:

• The box is poorly made: The box may have misaligned seams, uneven printing, or a cloudy window.
• The Pop itself is poorly made: The Pop may have uneven paint, mismatched eyes, or rough seams.
• The price is too good to be true: If a Funko Pop is being sold for a significantly lower price than its market value, it is likely a fake.

If you see any of these signs, it is likely that the Funko Pop is fake. It is best to avoid buying from sellers who are offering Pops with these features.

How do I check the authenticity of a Funko Pop?

There are several ways to check the authenticity of a Funko Pop. These include:

• Check the box: The box is often the first giveaway that a Funko Pop is fake. Look for signs of poor quality, such as misaligned seams, uneven printing, or a cloudy window.
• Check the Pop itself: Look for signs of poor quality, such as uneven paint, mismatched eyes, or rough seams.
• Check the UPC code: The UPC code on the box should be accurate and scannable. Fake boxes often have incorrect or invalid UPC codes.
• Check the price: If a Funko Pop is being sold for a significantly lower price than its market value, it is likely a fake.
• Compare to authentic photos: Look at photos of authentic Funko Pops online and compare them to the Pop you are considering buying. This can help you spot any inconsistencies that might indicate a fake.

If you are still unsure about the authenticity of a Funko Pop, you can contact Funko customer service for assistance.

What should I do if I think I have a fake Funko Pop?

If you think you have a fake Funko Pop, there are a few things you can do:

• Contact the seller: If you purchased the Pop from a seller, contact them and inform them of your suspicions. They may be willing to offer a refund or exchange.
• Report the seller: If you purchased the Pop from an online marketplace, report the seller to the platform. This can help to prevent other buyers from being scammed.
• Sell it for what it is worth: If you are unable to return the Pop, you can sell it online or at a flea market as a fake. Be honest about its authenticity so that buyers are aware of what they are purchasing.

Why are fake Funko Pops so common?

Fake Funko Pops are so common because they are a popular and valuable collectible. This makes them a desirable target for counterfeiters.

Counterfeiters can make a lot of money by selling fake Funko Pops, and it is often difficult for buyers to spot the fakes. This is why it is important to be vigilant and to know what to look for when buying a Funko Pop.

What are the risks of buying a fake Funko Pop?

There are several risks associated with buying a fake Funko Pop. These include:

• You may lose your money: If you buy a fake Funko Pop, you are likely to lose your money. Counterfeiters often offer fake Pops for a lower price than authentic Pops, but they are still not worth the money you spend on them.
• You may damage your collection: If you have a collection of real Funko Pops, buying a fake can damage your collection. This is because fake Pops are often made with poor quality materials that can deteriorate over time.
• You may be supporting illegal activity: By buying a fake Funko Pop, you are supporting counterfeiters who are breaking the law. This can have a negative impact on the economy and the collectibles industry.

How to avoid buying a fake Funko Pop?

There are several things you can do to avoid buying a fake Funko Pop:

• Buy from reputable retailers: Only buy Funko Pops from reputable retailers, such as Funko’s website, Amazon, or Target. These retailers are less likely to sell fake items.
• Be wary of suspiciously low prices: If a Funko Pop is being sold for a significantly lower price than its market value, it is likely a fake. Do your research and make sure the price is reasonable.
• Check the box and the Pop carefully: Look for any signs of poor quality, such as misaligned seams, uneven printing, or a cloudy window. The Pop itself should also have smooth paint, symmetrical eyes, and clean seams.
• Read reviews: Before buying a Funko Pop from a seller, read reviews from other buyers. This can help you get an idea of the seller’s reputation and the quality of their products.
• Ask questions: If you are unsure about the authenticity of a Funko Pop, ask the seller questions. This can help you get more information about the product and make a more informed decision.

Table summarizing the information in the article

FAQ

What is the best way to tell if a Funko Pop is real?

The best way to tell if a Funko Pop is real is to check the box and the Pop itself for signs of poor quality. You should also check the price and the seller’s reputation.

Where can I buy authentic Funko Pops?

You can buy authentic Funko Pops from reputable retailers such as Funko’s website, Amazon, or Target. You can also find authentic Funko Pops from authorized dealers.

What should I do if I buy a fake Funko Pop?

If you buy a fake Funko Pop, you should contact the seller and inform them of your suspicions. You can also report the seller to the platform where you purchased the Pop. If you are unable to return the Pop, you can sell it online or at a flea market as a fake. Be honest about its authenticity so that buyers are aware of what they are purchasing.

How can I protect myself from buying fake Funko Pops?

To protect yourself from buying fake Funko Pops, you should buy from reputable retailers, be wary of suspiciously low prices, check the box and the Pop carefully, read reviews, and ask questions.

What is the difference between a real and a fake Funko Pop?

A real Funko Pop is made with high-quality materials and has a clean, even finish. A fake Funko Pop is often made with poor-quality materials and has uneven paint, mismatched eyes, or rough seams.

Are there any resources available to help me identify fake Funko Pops?

Yes, there are several resources available to help you identify fake Funko Pops. You can find information online, on forums, and in social media groups. You can also contact Funko customer service for assistance.

Is it illegal to sell fake Funko Pops?

Yes, it is illegal to sell fake Funko Pops. Counterfeiters are breaking the law and can face serious consequences, including fines and imprisonment.