Fake or not ?

Be Cautious When Buying Funko Pops Online

When shopping on eBay, be extra cautious with items shipping from China, as there’s an extremely high chance they’re counterfeit. Often, you’ll notice unusually steep discounts (50%–90% off) compared to market prices, which is a major red flag. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Many of these listings use stock images, which is another indicator of a fake. Here’s a consolidated list of warning signs to help you spot fakes:

Ships and Sells from China: The safest approach is to avoid these listings altogether.
Negative or Limited Feedback: Take a close look at the seller’s reviews. Many buyers will flag counterfeit products, and a low number of reviews might mean the seller has recently created the account to quickly sell fake items and disappear.
Large Quantities Available: Be wary of listings that offer unusually high numbers of vaulted or rare items. Genuine rare Pops are hard to find, so seeing a large quantity available at a discount should be a red flag.
Significant Discounts: If you come across a $100 Pop being sold for $20, it’s likely a fake. Authentic sellers don’t drastically undercut market value, especially if they have many in stock.

When buying from Facebook, local meetups, or apps like OfferUp and Mercari, be sure to check the seller's feedback. Many Facebook collecting groups have feedback threads, which you can use to verify a seller's reputation. The collecting community does its best to weed out fakes, but scammers can sometimes slip through with fake photos or misleading details. Always use PayPal's "Goods and Services" option for payment, as this offers extra protection if you encounter a scam.

Additional Tips for Safe Transactions Outside of eBay:

Request More Photos: Ask the seller to provide multiple photos of the Pop, preferably with a handwritten note including their name and today’s date. This helps verify authenticity.
Check with the Community: If the seller is active in Funko-related Facebook groups, ask other members for feedback or references from past transactions.
Review the Seller’s Profile: Newly created profiles, limited posts, or lack of activity in collector groups can be signs of a scam.

Even with these precautions, the risk of purchasing a fake is always present. Always ensure there’s buyer protection in place (e.g., using PayPal’s Goods and Services). If in doubt, familiarize yourself with the payment platform’s terms and conditions to safeguard your transaction.

Common Themes of Counterfeit Funko Items

Verify the Product Number on the Box Bottom

The product number on the bottom of the Funko Pop! box varies by license and manufacturer but consistently includes the year of production and the specific item number. Most counterfeit Pops either lack this product number or display a number generated by a label maker. Keep an eye out for counterfeits, as they often feature item numbers printed in bolder text on a wider sticker. Additionally, while some authentic numbers are pressed into the box rather than printed, they will always be found on the bottom.

Examine the Box Artwork

Counterfeiters have significantly improved their ability to replicate box artwork, making it harder to spot fakes. However, there are still subtle indicators that can help identify counterfeit products. Here are a few key features to inspect:

Borders: Look closely at the borders of the box design for inconsistencies, as counterfeiters may struggle to perfectly replicate these details.

Inspect the Border Around the Pop! Window

One of the simplest ways to spot a counterfeit Funko Pop! is by examining the border surrounding the display window. In many cases, the border around the image and the Pop! logos is noticeably wider on fake items compared to authentic ones. Additionally, the white border may not fully encompass the image, resulting in gaps. Refer to the images provided above for clear examples of these differences.

Check Box Fonts and Logos

This maintains the key points while ensuring originality. Let me know if you need more adjustments!

Check for Differences in Fonts and Logos

Counterfeit Funko Pops often feature discrepancies in the fonts used for UPC codes or other text on the box. Many fakes will display inconsistent fonts on the logos, product information at the bottom, or even the Pop! category logo. Additionally, the copyright notice might be printed incorrectly on counterfeit products. If you notice any oddities with fonts or details, always compare them against images from trusted sources like eBay or dedicated Facebook groups.

When creating fake Pops, counterfeiters frequently overlook crucial details, such as logos or the specific Pop! line. For example, some fakes might be missing both the Funko Line title and the Funko logo on exclusive convention stickers. Missing details like this are a strong indication that the item isn’t authentic, although some counterfeits can be quite convincing. Always cross-check with images from reputable sources to ensure authenticity.

Examining Colors, Numbers, Stickers, and Other Details

Sometimes counterfeit Funko Pops look so convincing that even seasoned collectors may question their authenticity. Forgers put a significant amount of effort into replicating the design and box details, but there are still aspects to watch out for when you’re uncertain.

Coloring: Counterfeit Pops often have different coloring, either on the figure itself or on the box. For instance, the paint on fake figures might appear darker or less vibrant compared to genuine versions. This is evident with some figures like Martian Manhunter, where both the figure and the box exhibit darker shades than the authentic item. Smaller details are often missed as well, especially with Funko’s more intricate designs.

Replicating the box artwork accurately is a challenge for counterfeiters, making it a reliable indicator of a fake. You might notice that the numbering on the top right, back, or sides of the box differs from an authentic Pop! box. Sometimes, the numbers can appear off-center, too close together, or even overlapping in the case of double digits. The best way to verify the correct numbering is by comparing with genuine Pops from friends or checking reputable listings on eBay.

Stickers

Convention stickers have become a highly sought-after aspect for collectors, and as a result, counterfeiters have started targeting this area as well. Identifying fake stickers can be tricky, and often, you’ll need assistance from the collector community. Counterfeit stickers might have wider borders, incorrect coloring, or missing text. As always, compare with images from trusted sources like Facebook groups, eBay listings, or friends who own the authentic version.

Paying Close Attention to Details

It's crucial to scrutinize the details when identifying fake Funko Pops, as many counterfeiters don’t invest the time to replicate every aspect accurately. Two notable examples include the Unmasked Jason Voorhees and the GITD (Glow in the Dark) Deadite figures. For the Deadite, the glow-in-the-dark material on fakes often appears more translucent compared to the genuine version and may lack the bloody details on both the box and the figure. Similarly, the fake Jason Voorhees figure often misses critical details altogether.

Request Images of the Figure's Feet

Check for Stamped Item Numbers and Funko LLC Logos

Authentic Funko Pops will have an item number stamped on the feet, along with a Funko LLC logo. This logo may be located on various parts of the figure, such as underneath the chin, on the back of the head, or most commonly, on the foot next to the item number. For newer Pops, the item number on the figure should match the one found on the bottom of the box, while older figures might have a smaller, unique number. Additionally, inspect the feet for any incomplete or uneven paint, as this can be a sign of a fake. However, keep in mind that older Funko Pops sometimes had less refined paint jobs, so use your judgment accordingly.

Honeycomb Pattern in the Pop! Logo

Authentic Funko Pops have a subtle but clear honeycomb pattern inside the yellow section of the "Pop!" logo on the box. The honeycomb shapes are evenly spaced, consistent, and appear sharp and detailed, showcasing Funko's attention to quality.

Fake Pops:

Counterfeit boxes often have a poorly replicated honeycomb pattern in the Pop! logo. The shapes may be uneven, blurred, or appear as distorted hexagons. Sometimes, the pattern might be faint or entirely missing, which is a strong indicator that the item is not authentic.

Recap

1.1. Box Quality

Authentic Funko Pops: The box should be made of high-quality, sturdy cardboard. The edges are sharp and neatly folded, and the overall structure feels firm.
Counterfeit Pops: The box may feel flimsy, with softer or thinner cardboard. The edges might be poorly folded or not aligned properly.

1.2. Box Design and Printing Quality

Clarity and Brightness: The print on an authentic box will be clear, vibrant, and crisp. The colors are accurate, and the text is easy to read without any blurring or smudging.
Fake Boxes: The print might appear faded, pixelated, or dull. Counterfeit boxes often have poor-quality prints with misaligned or fuzzy text.

1.3. Funko Logo and Pop Number

Authentic: The Funko logo is sharp, with consistent font and sizing. The Pop number on the front of the box should match the number on the sides and back.
Fake: Counterfeit boxes might have inconsistencies in the Funko logo, such as incorrect fonts or off-center placement. The Pop number might be different or misaligned.

1.4. Bottom of the Box

Production Date & Serial Number: Genuine Funko Pops have a production date and a unique serial number printed on the bottom of the box. This number is usually small and laser-printed, not stamped.
Fake: Counterfeits may lack a production date, or the serial number might be missing, incorrectly placed, or poorly printed.

1.5. Sticker Inspection

If the Funko Pop has an exclusive or chase sticker, inspect it closely:
- Authentic: Stickers are clear, properly placed, and have sharp details.
- Fake: The sticker may appear blurred, poorly cut, or placed crookedly. In some cases, counterfeit boxes might use stickers with incorrect fonts or colors.

2. Inspecting the Funko Pop Figure

2.1. Paint Quality

Authentic Figures: The paint job on a real Funko Pop is clean, with sharp lines and no smudges. Colors are consistent and vibrant, and small details are carefully painted.
Fake Figures: Counterfeit Pops often have messy paint jobs, with smudges, uneven lines, or poorly painted details. Colors might be faded or inconsistent.

2.2. Mold Details and Quality

Authentic: The figure should have crisp and well-defined features, with no extra plastic or rough edges. The figure feels sturdy and balanced when held.
Fake: Counterfeit figures might have poorly defined features, excess plastic around the seams, or rough edges. They may feel lighter, cheaper, or less balanced.

2.3. Weight and Feel

Authentic: Real Funko Pops have a certain weight to them and feel solid. The head and body proportions are accurate.
Fake: Counterfeit Pops often feel lighter and may have a smaller or larger head than the authentic version.

3. Comparing the Pop to Online Resources

3.1. Use Reference Websites

Pop Price Guide (PPG) & Funko App: These platforms offer detailed images of authentic Funko Pops. Compare the figure, box design, and stickers with those displayed on these websites to identify any inconsistencies.

3.2. Check Unboxing Videos

Watching unboxing videos of the specific Pop figure you’re interested in can help you understand how the authentic product should look, down to the smallest details.

4. Additional Tips for Identifying Fake Funko Pops

4.1. Price and Seller Reputation

Too Good to Be True: If the price of a rare or exclusive Funko Pop seems unusually low, it might be a fake. Counterfeit sellers often try to lure buyers with low prices.
Check the Seller: Purchase from reputable retailers, sellers with positive reviews, or well-established Funko Pop communities. Avoid sellers with low ratings or limited selling history.

4.2. Barcode and QR Codes

Authentic Pops: The barcode on the box should scan correctly and match the Pop figure's details. The Funko app also allows you to scan the barcode to verify authenticity.
Fake Pops: Counterfeit boxes might have barcodes that don’t match the Pop figure, or the QR code may not scan properly.

4.3. Smell Test

Authentic Pops: They usually don't have any strong or unusual odors.
Fake Pops: Counterfeit figures may have a strong chemical or plastic smell due to the use of cheaper materials.

Common Red Flags to Watch Out For

Incorrect Name or Typographical Errors: Genuine Funko boxes have accurate text with no spelling mistakes. If you see misspelled words or inconsistent fonts, it's likely a fake.
Wrong Character Image or Number: Ensure that the character's image and number on the box match the figure inside.
Incorrect Figure Pose or Design: Counterfeit figures might have slight differences in pose, color, or accessories compared to the authentic version.

Why Authenticity Matters

Resale Value: Authentic Funko Pops retain or increase their value over time, while fakes are virtually worthless in the collector market.
Collector Pride: Owning genuine Pops means you're supporting the artists, designers, and brands involved in creating these collectibles.

Final Thoughts on Identifying Authentic Funko Pops

Final Thoughts

When it comes to collecting Funko Pops, authenticity is key to ensuring the value and integrity of your collection. By taking the time to inspect the box, figure, and finer details such as logos, paint quality, and patterns, you can confidently distinguish between genuine and counterfeit items. Always do your research, compare with trusted sources, and purchase from reputable sellers to avoid fakes. Remember, a true collector's pride comes from owning authentic pieces that reflect the craftsmanship and passion behind each Funko Pop!