#funkopopfan

[cooledtured]

F for Fake Funko: How to Spot a Fake Funko Pop

Not all sellers offer legit Funko Pops. Some fans have even bought fake Funkos at conventions. If it’s valuable and collectible, counterfeiters are on it. Sometimes the most avid collectors have unknowingly bought one, later to find they’d been bamboozled. You need to know how to spot a fake Funko, and you’re in the right place to learn how.

Buyer Sword and Shield

The fake Funko’s out there are strikingly similar to the real thing. On where to begin, some of the most effective weapons against being duped are Funko Pop community networks and available apps. I listened to a Pop Collectors Alliance podcast about the problem and they said the best communities to find help are on Facebook and Reddit. If they haven’t already had a FAQ, make a post if you can or message an admin. Even a little help there could make a big difference.

The free Funko app is useful for confirming general information about specific Pops. It has a barcode scan feature where you can see if scanning the one you’re looking at comes up as part of Funko’s product line. In my research, I saw people scan barcodes on fakes and the correct product actually displayed in the Funko app. Others scanned and nothing came up. So, some fakers are managing to fool it, but the app is still a very sound method to verify general info.

If it’s online, try scanning the barcode if the seller has a photo of it. Hopefully they do. If they don’t, ask them if they’ll do two things: 1. Show a photo of the barcode and 2. If they can include a written timestamp note in the photo. If they respond and refuse, it could be a red flag, especially if they’re selling a high value Pop. While this ultimately may not make or break a potential buy, it’s another verification method worth trying.

That said, wherever you’re looking online, look for other indicators related to the seller. Like, where is the seller located? Do they have reviews? How many or how good are they? Is there anything that just seems weird about their profile? This is standard online vetting and important to consider.

Big Indicators: Logo, Font, Colors, Cut Line, Material Weight and Quality

You need to understand what is easier to fake than what isn’t for these frauds. They’re getting better at deception. Understand that the cut of the packaging is a little easier to fake, but pay attention to the overall quality of the box. The packaging on a fake Funko is lower quality most of the time. YouTubers confirm that if you have one in your hands, it can be easy to tell if it’s fake: they’re lighter in weight, different paper used (check the paper color inside the box), etc.

The harder thing to replicate for fraudsters is the color print on the box itself. Look at character graphics, coloring and fonts. It’s in the details — design, position on the box and displayed information. Some examples of fakes show the number at the top right is sized very differently than genuine Funko Pop boxes. These little details make it more clear to veteran collectors they’re looking at a fake. Perhaps the Funko app could help with an example photo of what the official box looks like.

I watched a ton of videos. Most of them agree that the “Pop!” logo on the top left, above the character graphic, is a big indicator. There’s a color gradient (one color changes to another) that’s clearly visible on any authentic box. The top of the “POP!” letters are golden yellow and fade to lighter yellow at the bottom. The middle of the “POP!” logo is where the fade between these two colors really starts to occur. Also, there are tiny dots within the “POP!” color gradient. For the fakes, there is less of a color change. The golden yellow can often be darker and doesn’t fade as much to lighter yellow at the bottom. Sometimes, the little dots aren’t even there.

Magnifying Glass and Microscope

Simply said: the more details fakers have to fake, the harder it is for them to deceive. And they’ve been known to use lower quality material. It’s economical to make fakes with the lowest amount of material cost. They’re not trying to make a better Funko Pop, they’re trying to sell you the lie that it’s genuine! Keep this in mind.

If the Pop isn’t in front of you but posted for sale online, analyze again the seller profile. YouTuber SkittleRampage says he believes Ebay is one of the biggest marketplaces for fake Funko Pops. Again, try to get some more photos that would help you verify what you’re seeing is authentic. Ideally, sellers will post a photo of the bottom side of the box that shows all the info: barcode, factory sticker, even the way a warning label looks can be a big tell they’re fake.

Another thing to keep in mind, Funko has different product lines with different ways of printing their serial numbers. They can be printed on the box, stickered on the box, or even stamped on the box. It’s helpful to find a genuine example to compare with here. Also, while it’s not always a 1 to 1 match, all boxes and figures should match their serial numbers on the bottom of the box to the bottom of the Funko Pop’s foot. If you can verify both, that’s good.

Final Thoughts

The best rule of thumb would be to always avoid overseas shipping. A lot of counterfeit products are shipped internationally from countries such as China. Avoiding international sellers keeps you safe from fraudulent issues down the road after you’ve already paid. Some buyers have lost money this way.

I know I failed to mention price as an indicator, but it’s only because everyone should understand if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Googling the first three words, “If it’s too,” auto-completes the rest of that old adage. Don’t get Wish’d. Poppriceguide.com is a useful site displaying prices you’d expect to find elsewhere. If there’s anything else I missed, what you have here is solid enough to keep you in a safe direction, and below you’ll find a small list of videos I watched in my research.

I want you to find genuine Funko Pop and never have to worry. As a loyal fan-built and operated company, Cooledtured feels the same way. Cooledtured is dedicated and vigilant to provide you authentic brand name collectibles, always listed at fair market retail price. Supporting Cooledtured supports fan communities at large. Search their vast catalog and have a safe and happy hunt for your grails, friends!

Playlist

Top Pops | The Ultimate Guide To Spotting A Fake Funko Pop!

SkittleRampage | How To Spot Fake Funko Pops!

Dr. Applesauce | Fake Funko Pops vs Real — How to Spot a Fake & Avoid Scams (timestamped)

Twisted Geek | ULTIMATE Guide TO Fake Funko Pops 2022

Why Not Comics | Do You Own a Fake Funko Pop and Don’t Even Know?????

evend.com | Tyler explains how to spot a fake marvel Loki Funko Pop!

ssuperstrange | Hope this helps

funkomvp | be skeptical my friends

blakespopnook | my best advice for avoiding fake funko pops!!

 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -

JEFFREY WELLS | Writer

POP-COOLEDTURED SPECIALIST cooledtured.com | GROW YOUR COLLECTION

[quinnzilla99]

Drew myself as a funko pop with my late lil fur bestie Rocky 🖤

[buffy-83-blog]

"I think perhaps all of us go a little crazy at times." 🔪Norman Bates🔪 #funkopop #funkopopfigure #funkopopfan #funkopopmania #funkopopmovies #funkopopfilm #funkopopclassic #funkopopcollector #funkopoplife #funkopopfamily #funkopopphotography #funkopopphoto #funkopopaddict #funkopopcollection #funkofans #funkolive #funkolife #funkolover #funkoclassics #funkomovies #funkohorror #funkocollection #funkocollector #funkopsycho #funkonormanbates #psychosis #normanbates

[darkness09]

#mha #funkopopfan #deku #kacchan #todoroki #kirishima #allmight @funimation @mha_daily @my.hero.academia https://www.instagram.com/p/B9gMyTjlivN/?igshid=qfzviqox45eg

[manuphantom]

my new funkopop 🧡.

[fanboysmarketplace]

🎸 NEW: EDDIE VAN HALEN 🎸⁣ ⁣ Lead guitarist of the 80s rock band Van Halen, Eddie Val Halen is about to raise the roof on your Pop! Rocks collection! Known for Jump and Unchained, Eddie is sure to shake thing up!⁣ ⁣ Available now at Fanboys Marketplace in Fort Worth and Denton 👆👆👆 Not available anywhere else in DFW!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀#funko #funkopop #funkopopvinyl #funkopopfans #popvinyl #funkofamily #funkophoto #funkocollectors #photofunko #funkophotoaday #funkoaddict #funkocollection #funkovinyl #funkocollector #funkocommunity #funkopopcollector #originalfunko #funkopopcollection #funkofan #funkolife #funkonews #funkogram #funkofanatic #funkofinderz #eddievanhalenfunko #funkopoprocks #fortworth #fanboysmarketplace (at Fort Worth, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZpmQ-dPa8L/?utm_medium=tumblr

[cinemundofreak]

😍FUNKO VEGETA EXCLUSIVOS😍 . . . . 👉 SI TE GUSTAN LOS FUNKOS DE DRAGON BALL NO PODÉS DEJAR DE TENER ESTOS FUNKOS EXCLUSIVOS! 👉A MI ME GUSTÓ MÁS EL ROJO, A VOS? . . . . #sandiegocomiccon2019 #funkopop #funkodbz #funkofans #funkopopfans #sdcc #argentina🇦🇷 (en La Plata, Buenos Aires) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Eha0MH0yx/?igshid=7xzsvrducbz8

[incorrect-gaw-quotes]

should you fight the best goi Gamers Against weed

yes. 

bluntfiend: Jude is a vaping boomer. go for it. hes a bad fighter so itll be easy but youll feel bad after a little bit

jockjamsvol6: you can try and hit jj but everything after like. a playful punch will do nothing. youll trip over air and faceplant 

lesbian_gengar: what has Esther ever done to you. shell also make everything look red if you try. don’t do it

polaricecaps: go ahead. he has a lot of anger but if you just dodge when he charges you hell fall of a cliff or hit a wall or smth

hetcopogg: Do Not. she will destroy you or her gf will

gaycopmp4: see above

bones: well first off its gonna be a real challenge to try considering its a meaty space satellite. also it doesnt deserve it either. back off dont fight bones

harmpit: go ham bud. We have no idea whatll happen and we’re glad to make you our test subject

kkrule: he’s a depressed lonely 15 yr old What’s Wrong With You. he prolly thinks everyone hates him, back off

trainerDP: you could fight them but theres probably like seven of them so we wouldnt advise it

talman_corvett: has a dislike for physical violence so itd be an easy win

opossum: opossum deserves it. beat their fucking ass. go for the throat. a horrible scorn on the furry community

tiedyeduck: joined with opossum so youd be valid to beat their ass but they aren’t rlly friends with opossum still so go easy on them

dondelillo: friends with opossum and hates kkrule. beat his ass into smithereens. go for the kill

kektagon: tries to be a good person and is a total pacifist but if one of their anomalies has hurt you or a loved one you’re entitled to financial compensation

freakyghostbed: if you figure out how to beat up a ghost in the machine, be sure to let us know.

fuddrucker: gun wizard.

orbhorse: the good news is youll learn if horses eat meat

conmunismanarchismnihilsm: goes to protests and probably isn’t shy of the violent version. probably dont

pcs: indie musician! theyre definitely gonna be weak as shit but morally it depends on how much they talk about being an indie musician 

goodpostskitty: if you try to fight good post skitty gaw will destroy you. she doesn’t deserve it

falloutmeta: history nerds always deserve a beat down

funkopopfan: beating funko’s ass is encouraged but the power of magic merchandise is unknown

chereamie: What The Fuck Is Wrong With You

steakshift: wren could probably shrug off a fight. the question is if you will

greenmanwalking: did you miss the part where Silas is formerly goc and his boyfriend freed an scp from containment borderline single-handedly

[newyorkpopcity]

TGIF!!! We weren’t able to meet JDM on our first Walker Stalker Con but this signed Negan pop will suffice for now! 🙌🏼 _ #newyorkpopcity #funkopopcollector #funkopopaddict #funkopopfan #negan #walkerstalkercon #jdm #jeffreydeanmorgan #thewalkingdead #poptelevision #tgif #nyc

[elpeladoysuspops]

Stranger Things - 638 Steve (with sunglasses) #StrangerThings -Podré ser un horrible novio, pero resulta que soy un niñero muy bueno. #SteveHarrington. Steve Harrington es uno de los personajes principales de la serie original de #Netflix, Stranger Things, interpretado por Joe Keery. Es un estudiante de la Universidad de Hawkins y ex novio de Nancy Wheeler. Le gusta el queso y la cerveza. #FunkoPops #FunkoPhotos #OriginalFunko #FunkoPopFamily #FunkoAddict #FunkoPhotography #FunkoVinyl #ToyPhotography #PopCollector #FunkoPhotoADay #FunkoFigures #EpicPhoto #FunkoLove #PopTelevision #FunkoPopFan #PopSeries #FunkoEurope #FunkoDiscordHispano #FunkoPeru2020 #ThePopVentures https://www.instagram.com/p/CHeSq0yoX1M/?igshid=z8rj0x394qqb

[buffy-83-blog]

"Well, it may have escaped your notice, but life isn't fair." ✨Severus Snape✨ #funkopop #funkopopfigure #funkopopfan #funkopopmania #funkopopheroes #funkopopmovies #funkopopfilm #funkopopcollector #funkopoplife #funkopopfamily #funkopopphotography #funkopopphoto #funkopopbooks #funkopopseverussnape #funkopopsnape #funkopopharrypotter #funkoworld #funkolive #funkolife #funkolover #funkocollection #funkocollector #funkofans #funkofilms #funkomovies #funkobooks #funkoharrypotter #funkoseverussnape #funkosnape #harrypotterfan #harrypotter #harrypotteruniverse #funkostagram #instafunko #severussnape

[manuphantom]

my new funkopop winifred sanderson

[elpeladoysuspops]

Captain America 06 #MarvelUniverse El traje de la “Edad de plata” el #CapitanAmerica (Steve Roger) después de pasar 20 años como una paleta helada, se unió a los Vengadores con un traje azul más oscuro, manteniéndose al día con los tiempos, cambio de calzones a boxers, que todavía están en la parte exterior de sus pantalones, pero fue un paso en la dirección correcta!! ¿Qué dices es correcta esta información? Investiga un poco y cuéntame cual fue su siguiente traje del cap, con detalles, supera los 4 renglones, para ganarte 2 ⭐⭐ estrellas… y si compartes etiquetándome sumas 1 ⭐ extra!! Te desafío!! _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ What do you say is correct this information? Do some research and tell me what was your next costume in the cap, with details, it exceeds 4 lines, to earn 2 ⭐⭐ ... and if you share by tagging me you add 1 ⭐ extra!! I challenge you!! #Funkogram #FunkoPopPhotography #FunkoWorld #FunkoPopFan #Funkomania #FunkoPopCommunity #FunkoLife #FunkoFan #GeeksFunko #FunkoPhoto #FunkoCommunity #FunkoPopCollector #FunkoFamilyLove #CaptainAmerica #FunkoDiscordHispano #FunkoPeru2020 #ThePopVentures https://www.instagram.com/p/CG1FjgzIw6-/?igshid=saszt3grclaw

[buffy-83-blog]

"It is a poor Eve that does not know her Adam." 👁Vision👁 #funkopop #funkopopfigure #funkopopfan #funkopopmania #funkopopheroes #funkopopmovies #funkopopfilm #funkopopmarvel #funkopopcomics #funkopopcollector #funkopoplife #funkopopfamily #funkopopphotography #funkopopphoto #funkopopstars #funkopopaddict #funkopopvision #funkolive #funkolife #funkolover #funkostagram #instafunko #funkoworld #funkofans #funkovision #filmstagram #instafilms #vision #avengersinfinitywar #comicstagram #instacomics

[buffy-83-blog]

"It can't rain all the time." 🦇The Crow🦇 #funkopop #funkopopfigure #funkopopfan #funkopopmania #funkopopheroes #funkopopmovies #funkopopfilm #funkopopcollector #funkopoplife #funkopopfamily #funkopopphotography #funkopopphoto #funkopopstars #funkopopaddict #funkopopthecrow #funkoworld #funkophoto #funkothecrow #funkomovies #funkofans #funkofilms #funkolive #funkolife #funkolover #funkocollection #funkocollector #funkoaddict #thecrow #funkostagram #instafunko #movies #films #filmstagram #instafilms #brandonlee

[buffy-83-blog]

"And this is how it ends. With blood and thunders. With hammer and sword. With one last stand at the gates of heaven." ⚡🔨Thor🔨⚡ #funkopop #funkopopfigure #funkopopfan #funkopopmania #funkopopheroes #funkopopmovies #funkopopfilm #funkopopcollector #funkopoplife #funkopopfamily #funkopopphotography #funkopopaddict #funkopopcomics #funkopopmarvel #funkopopthor #funkoworld #funkolive #funkolife #funkolover #funkocollection #funkocollector #funkocomics #funkomarvel #funkostagram #instafunko #funkothor #marveluniverse #thor #chrishemsworth