How to spot a fake Funko Pop? Tips to spot a fake Funko Pop

How to spot a fake Funko Pop? There’s no better feeling than stumbling across a sought-after gem at a discounted price, especially if it’s a Funko POP character you’ve been itching to add to your collection.

However, upon receiving your POP, something seems off, and doubt starts to creep in. Was your discovery too good to be true?

Funko POP characters are the most popular collectables in the pop culture landscape. However, due to their demand, counterfeit figures are slowly infiltrating the market.

You’re not alone if you’ve been stung by a fake figurine in the past, which is why we’ve covered everything you need to know to tell apart the cheap Funko POPs from the fakes. Read on for our expert tips, from how to avoid buying fake Funkos to where you can get the best deals on your favourite characters!

Table of Contents

How to spot a fake Funko Pop?

The price

If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is, especially if the Funko in question is considered rare or limited edition.

Most Funko POP sellers know how much their figures are worth. So, if you come across a POP with a recognised value of over £100 selling for £20, it’s likely a fake. Everyone loves cheap Funko POPs. However, it’s important to be realistic about the price!

To avoid falling for this trick, always shop around to get a more accurate idea of the Funko’s true value.

The serial number

All official Funko POP figures have a serial number engraved on the POPs’ head or foot, matching the number on the figurine’s box. If your Funko POP figure is missing either of these serial numbers, it’s an obvious sign it’s a fake.

With this in mind, always ask the seller to provide evidence of both serial numbers. If they refuse or cannot provide proof, move on. If you receive a serial number, you can always confirm the Funko’s authenticity using the official Funko Mobile App!

The colour

Always thoroughly check your Funko POP figure against others, as any differences in the POPs’ colour, quality or mould can indicate an ungenuine copy.

Many scammers don’t care about the details, leaving figurines with faded or patchy finishes.

Of course, it can be difficult to identify these small details from photos, but you can always ask the seller to provide close-up pictures before purchasing if you’re unsure. This will allow you to compare the Funko with official POP figurines and confirm discrepancies!

The box

If your Funko’s box arrives faulty or the inner plastic packaging does not hold your figurine in place correctly, there is a high chance the product has been tampered with. This also applies if the boxes’ font, logo, or stickers are faded.

With this in mind, always check the packaging before purchasing to ensure your POP is genuine.

You can find official POP boxes to compare online, including the official Funko website. For instance, is the POP brand logo in the corner, and is it the same as in the official Funko Logo on the original? Is there a warning sign on the bottom of the box, and does it match the warning sign on all official Funko packaging?

Be sure to check and compare all aspects of the packaging until you are confident it is a genuine product.

The Funko POP figurine has different features from the original

If the Funko POP has different features, such as oddly shaped eyes or disproportionate limbs, it is likely a counterfeit character. To reduce the risk of falling for a fake Funko, always compare your new addition to official Funkos online.

How to avoid buying a fake Funko POP?

Unfortunately, fake Funkos aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. However, there are several things you can do to minimise the risk of falling for a scam.

Confirm the seller’s identity

One of the best ways to avoid fake Funkos is by being careful about who and where you buy from. When shopping online, always choose reputable stores you can trust. It is very unlikely that you will receive a fake figurine from well-known stores.

If you choose to buy Funkos from auction sites and pop-up pages with no previous history, be extremely cautious and pay extra attention to the condition of the Funko, taking into account the factors mentioned above.

Ask other Funko collectors

If you’re unsure if your cheap Funko POP is a fake, post a photo of the POP in a Funko POP forum, sharing images of all sides of the POP’s packaging and the figurine in question.

Expert collectors will quickly identify a fake, as most experienced collectors have either received a fake figurine in the past or own an original they can compare it to.

Read reviews

If a seller has limited or negative reviews, it’s a cautioning sign that you should skip the sale.

Many low, recent reviews could indicate that a seller has created a burner profile to sell various fake products. Many scammers use this method as it allows them to delete their accounts when the sales have been completed and make a swift escape before anyone has the chance to notice what’s happened.

Of course, you could always contact previous buyers to gain insight into their experience with the seller. Plus, Funko Forums often have lists of sellers to avoid, so always ensure the seller in question isn’t on the list!

FAQs

How can you tell if a Funko Pop is real?

Serial number: Every official Funko Pop has a serial number that is stamped on the bottom of the foot or the head. The serial number should also be printed on the bottom of the box. If the figure or box is missing the serial number, it’s a fake.
Box quality: The box of a real Funko Pop should be well-made and have sharp corners. The printing should be clear and crisp. If the box is damaged or the printing is blurry, it’s a fake.
Paint job: The paint job on a real Funko Pop should be smooth and even. There should be no noticeable flaws or blemishes. If the paint job is sloppy or uneven, it’s a fake.
Details: The details on a real Funko Pop should be sharp and well-defined. The eyes, mouth, and other features should be accurate to the character they represent. If the details are blurry or poorly done, it’s a fake.
Price: Real Funko Pops are usually sold for a reasonable price. If you see a Pop that is being sold for a much lower price than it should be, it’s probably a fake.

Do fake Funko Pops have serial numbers?

Yes, fake Funko Pops can have serial numbers. However, the serial numbers on fake Pops are often incorrect or not printed in the same place as the serial numbers on genuine Pops. Here are some of the things to look for when checking the serial number on a Funko Pop:

The serial number should be printed on the bottom of the foot or the base of the head.
The serial number should be the same on the figure and on the bottom of the box.
The serial number should be a 12-digit number.
The last 5 digits of the serial number should be the date of production.

If the serial number on a Funko Pop does not match these criteria, it is likely a fake. However, it is important to note that not all fake Pops will have incorrect serial numbers. There are some counterfeits that are very well made and can be difficult to distinguish from genuine Pops.

Are Funko Pops from China fake?

Not necessarily. There are many legitimate Funko Pop sellers in China, and you can find authentic figures on online marketplaces like AliExpress and Taobao. However, there are also a lot of counterfeit Funko Pops being sold in China, so it’s important to be careful when you’re shopping.

Here are some tips for spotting fake Funko Pops:

The price is too good to be true. Authentic Funko Pops are usually priced around $10-$15, so if you see one for much cheaper, it’s probably a fake.
The packaging is poor quality. The packaging on authentic Funko Pops is usually very well-made, with no tears or blemishes. If the packaging on the figure you’re looking at is damaged or looks cheap, it’s probably a fake.
The figure itself is poorly made. Authentic Funko Pops are usually very well-detailed, with no paint errors or defects. If the figure you’re looking at looks blurry or has any other flaws, it’s probably a fake.

Can fake funkos be scanned?

Yes, fake Funko Pops can be scanned. Most fakes will scan just fine since they just copy the UPC code. However, there are some things to look for that can help you identify a fake Funko Pop, even if it scans. These include:

The quality of the paintwork. Fake Funko Pops often have sloppy paintwork with uneven coats of paint or visible brushstrokes.
The quality of the plastic. Fake Funko Pops often use cheaper, lower-quality plastic that feels different than the plastic used in genuine Funko Pops.
The accuracy of the packaging. Fake Funko Pops often have inaccurate or poorly-printed packaging.
The serial number. All genuine Funko Pops have a serial number that is printed on the bottom of the box and on the figure itself. Fake Funko Pops may not have a serial number, or the serial number may be incorrect.

If you are still unsure whether a Funko Pop is genuine, you can always contact Funko customer service for assistance.

Here are some additional tips for spotting fake Funko Pops:

Check the source. Only buy Funko Pops from authorized retailers. If you are buying a Funko Pop from a third-party seller, be sure to do your research to make sure the seller is reputable.
Pay attention to the price. If the price of a Funko Pop is too good to be true, it probably is. Genuine Funko Pops are typically priced fairly, so if you see a Funko Pop that is significantly cheaper than others, it is likely a fake.
Use the Funko app. The Funko app can be used to scan the barcode of a Funko Pop and verify its authenticity. If the Funko Pop does not scan, or if it scans but the app does not recognize it, it is likely a fake.

Above is information about How to spot a fake Funko Pop? that we have compiled. Hopefully, through the above content, you have a more detailed understanding of a fake Funko Pop. Thank you for reading our posst.