How to Spot Fake Funko Pops

Funko Pops have become one of the most popular collectible toys in the world. With thousands of characters across franchises like Marvel, Disney, Star Wars, anime, and more, it’s no surprise that collectors are always hunting for new figures to add to their shelves. But with popularity comes a downside: counterfeits.

In recent years, fake Funko Pops have flooded online marketplaces and resale platforms. These replicas can be hard to spot, especially for new collectors or those making their first purchases. Buying a counterfeit not only means losing money, but also lowers the integrity of your collection.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common signs of fake Funko Pops, show you how to verify a figure’s authenticity, and offer tips to avoid getting scammed.

Why Are There So Many Fake Funko Pops?

The demand for rare and exclusive Funko Pops has created a booming secondary market. Some vaulted Pops have sold for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Counterfeiters take advantage of this by producing replicas that look very similar to the real thing.

Fake Pops are most commonly found in popular lines like:

• Dragon Ball Z
  
  
• Marvel (especially Iron Man and Spider-Man)
  
  
• Star Wars
  
  
• Disney princesses
  
  
• Anime figures like Naruto and One Piece
  
  

Counterfeits are often sold on third-party platforms such as eBay, AliExpress, Wish, or other lesser-known websites. While not every listing on these platforms is fake, they are riskier than purchasing from verified toy stores or official retailers.

How to Tell If a Funko Pop Is Fake

1. Check the Box Quality

The box is usually the first giveaway when it comes to fake Pops. Counterfeit packaging often has:

• Fuzzy or pixelated print
  
  
• Misspelled character names or labels
  
  
• Off-center logos or misaligned text
  
  
• Incorrect font or spacing
  
  
• Glossy or flimsy cardboard
  
  

Always compare the box design to a photo of the original from Funko’s official website or a trusted collector site like Pop Price Guide.

2. Look at the Bottom of the Box

Authentic Funko Pops usually have a date stamp and serial number printed or embossed on the bottom flap. Most genuine boxes include:

• A production code with letters and numbers (e.g., FM 210921)
  
  
• The Funko logo
  
  
• Factory information
  
  

If this information is missing, blurred, or inconsistent, it may be a fake.

3. Examine the Figure Closely

Even if the box looks good, the figure itself might show signs of being fake. Here are some things to inspect:

• Paint Job: Real Pops have clean lines and even color. Fakes often have messy or sloppy paint, incorrect eye placement, or color bleeding.
  
  
• Material: Official Funko Pops are made from durable vinyl. Fakes might feel lighter, rougher, or more rubbery.
  
  
• Head Shape and Size: Bootleg Pops often have slightly smaller or distorted heads.
  
  
• Pose or Accessories: In some cases, the bootleg version may include extra details or different body positioning not found in the original release.
  
  

4. Review the Box Insert

Inside the box, there should be a plastic shell that holds the Pop in place. Authentic inserts are well-fitted and clear. Fakes may use cheap, thin plastic that does not hold the figure securely. Some bootlegs skip the insert entirely or use bubble wrap instead.

5. Compare Pricing to Market Value

If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Sellers offering a rare vaulted Pop for $10 when it normally sells for $200 should raise a red flag. Use tools like HobbyDB or Pop Price Guide to research the typical value of a specific Pop.

Common Fake Funko Pop Red Flags

• No serial number or date code
  
  
• Odd character proportions
  
  
• Inaccurate colors or clothing details
  
  
• Unfamiliar fonts or logo styles
  
  
• Suspiciously low prices
  
  
• Sellers with poor or no reviews
  
  

Where to Safely Buy Authentic Funko Pops

To reduce the risk of buying a fake, shop through trusted and official channels:

• Funko.com
  
  
• We-R-Toys
  
  
• GameStop
  
  
• Amazon (look for “Ships from and sold by Amazon”)
  
  
• Local and specialty toy stores like WeRToys.com
  
  

You can also buy secondhand from other collectors through platforms like Reddit or Facebook groups, but always ask for detailed photos and verify authenticity before completing a transaction.

How to Report a Fake Funko Pop

If you receive a counterfeit Pop from a marketplace or seller, take the following steps:

1. Contact the seller and request a refund
   
   
2. Report the item to the platform (e.g., eBay, Amazon)
   
   
3. Leave a review or warning to help others avoid the same mistake
   
   
4. Notify Funko’s customer support with photos and seller information
   
   

This helps protect the community and discourages counterfeit operations from continuing.

Funko Serial Number Decoder

Each Funko Pop has a factory code or production number printed on the box or figure base. You can verify these codes using collector resources, but here’s a quick breakdown:

• Letters usually indicate the factory (e.g., FM for Vietnam, FAC for China)
  
  
• The numbers show the production year and date
  
  
• For example, FM 210921 means the figure was made on September 21, 2021
  
  

If the code is missing or does not follow this format, it could be counterfeit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you tell a fake Funko Pop just by the price?
Sometimes. Very low prices for rare figures can be a warning sign, but not all fakes are priced cheaply. Always look at other details like box design, figure quality, and seller reviews.

Are all Funko Pops made in Vietnam or China?
Yes, most are made in factories located in Vietnam or China. This does not mean they are fake. However, figures missing manufacturing information should be viewed with suspicion.

What should I do if I accidentally buy a fake?
Try to return it and report the seller. If it was purchased on a trusted platform, you may be able to get a refund through buyer protection programs.

Do fake Funko Pops ever include chase stickers or exclusives?
Yes. Counterfeiters sometimes copy stickers to make their products seem more valuable. You should compare the sticker and packaging to an original verified version online.

Can I sell a fake Funko Pop if I label it clearly?
No. Selling counterfeit items is illegal even if disclosed. It is best to dispose of the fake figure and report the source.

Final Thoughts

With Funko Pops continuing to grow in popularity, knowing how to spot a fake is essential for collectors. Whether you're buying online or in person, taking a few minutes to verify authenticity can save you money and frustration in the long run.

Stick to trusted retailers, research the figure’s features, and always inspect the packaging. A little extra caution goes a long way when it comes to protecting your collection and supporting genuine toy communities.