We wrote about what makes an item fake, how to protect yourself, what are red flags etc etc. You avoided it so far but now you bought one. Say Jason Voorhees (Unmasked). At a convention or on Facebook Marketplace or on eBay and you waited a few months to check properly. You paid $650 and felt good about it until you figured out it is fake.
Here is what we want to know. What do you? You cannot return it you, you are out of money. Do you?
- Burn it (or use a tomahawk and properly mutilate)
- Mark it with an indelible Sharpie as Fake and keep it as a placeholder
- Send it to a grading company and hope that they grade it and that it all goes away
- Sell it indicating it is Fake
- Flip it cheap indicating that you know nothing about it
Tell us about how you bought a fake, how you found out and come clean with what you did with it. Where do all the fakes end up?
I bought a fake Bank Robber Joker from Whatnot back in 2020. This was when Whatnot used to “verify” photos digitally before it posted in the marketplace and offered authentication for an extra fee. So the seller shipped to Whatnot, Whatnot inspected it, and then they shipped it to me.
It was the most expensive Pop I had purchased at the time. About 6 months later, I discovered it was a fake and I emailed them. They asked me to return the Pop and they refunded me.
That is a great outcome! What would you have done if Whatnot would have said “too late for us to help you”?
Probably boycott whatnot and buy/sell a lot less Pops.
The Funko Pop market has grown immensely, with collectors seeking rare and exclusive pieces to add to their collections. Unfortunately, the rise in demand has led to the proliferation of fake Funko Pops. Purchasing a counterfeit item not only wastes your money but can devalue collections and undermine trust in the community. Here’s what you need to know about identifying fakes, the importance of graded Funko Pops, and how to share your findings with fellow collectors.
1. Spotting a Fake Funko Pop
Counterfeit Funko Pops can be hard to identify at first glance, but there are key indicators collectors should watch for:
• Box Details: Fake boxes often have blurry graphics, incorrect fonts, or missing trademark information.
• Figure Quality: Look for imperfections like sloppy paint jobs, odd colors, or off-model designs.
• Serial Numbers: Genuine Funko Pops have engraved or printed serial numbers on the box or figure. Replicas often lack these or feature inconsistent numbering.
• Sticker Accuracy: If it’s an exclusive, examine the sticker. Fakes often have incorrect placement, font, or colors.
2. The Value of Graded Funko Pops
Graded Funko Pops, authenticated and professionally assessed for condition, are invaluable for serious collectors. Certification ensures the item’s authenticity, providing peace of mind and protecting your investment. Graded items often come in tamper-proof cases with a grade score, making them highly desirable for resale or trade.
3. Cataloguing Key Takeaways from a Fake Purchase
If you’ve purchased a fake, don’t discard it immediately—document it. Compare it against a legitimate version and catalogue the differences. Take clear photos and note discrepancies such as packaging errors, figure quality, and missing details. This documentation can be used to educate others and prevent future scams.
4. Sharing Information with the Community
Disseminating information about fakes is essential for protecting the Funko Pop community. Share your findings via:
• Social Media: Post side-by-side comparisons in Funko Pop collector groups or forums.
• Online Marketplaces: Report sellers distributing fakes to platforms like eBay, Mercari, or Facebook Marketplace.
• Dedicated Websites: Contribute to databases or blogs that track counterfeit Funko Pops.
By spreading awareness, you not only help others avoid similar mistakes but also strengthen the integrity of the Funko Pop collecting community.
Staying informed and vigilant is the best defense against purchasing a fake Funko Pop. Take the time to research sellers, inspect items carefully, and invest in graded collectibles for peace of mind. If you do encounter a fake, treat it as an opportunity to learn and share knowledge with the community. Together, collectors can safeguard their passion and ensure authenticity in the hobby.
Great summary! Re documenting I recommend doing that right here. We got an extensive collection of fake photos already and collectors check PPG anyway to see the value of an item – there is no better place than here to stop more fakes.
See for example the information on the Golden Frieza SDCC POP.
i bought a fake gitd white walker for almost 1400$ cansdian off ebay. lster i found out it was fske. or atleast i believe it to be fake. so im just hoping one day somdkne will know for sure n tell me im wrong its real lol or ill end up just unboxing n doing someghing crazy with it.
Sorry to hear and why not upload some photos here – there are lots of folks here that might be able to opine on what you got.