Spotting fake Funko Pop figures protects your collection and investment. With counterfeit figures flooding online marketplaces, collectors need reliable authentication methods to avoid costly mistakes.
A Funko Pop vinyl figure, standing 3.75 inches tall, features a neutral pose and a distinctive square-shaped head with rounded edges, making up half its height.
With button-like black eyes, a small nose, and no mouth, its most defining characteristic is its adorableness.
However, with thousands to millions of Funko collectibles online, how do you tell if a Funko Pop is fake?
Stick around, and I'll share some top-notch tips to keep your collector's game strong and your shelves filled with authentic Funko Pop figures!
Shop The Funko Pop Collection Now
5 Ways To Tell if Your Funko Pop is Fake
1. Suspiciously Low Price Points
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! Super low price tags often signal a fake Funko Pop.
Authentic, rare Pop figures maintain consistent market values. When sellers offer figures priced 35% or more below average market rates, this raises immediate red flags. Most fakes are sold through below-market pricing to move inventory quickly.
Always compare price points from multiple reputable sellers before purchasing to avoid falling into common collector traps. Legitimate exclusive or vaulted figures rarely sell for "bargain" prices — their scarcity maintains value stability.
2. Incorrect or Missing Funko Logo
The Funko logo placement and quality provide crucial authentication clues for determining authenticity.
Authentic Funko packaging features:
-
Funko logo is positioned on the bottom of the box
-
Crisp images and properly aligned text with correct font styling
-
Official licensing information displayed
-
Registered trademark symbols (®) in appropriate locations
If the Funko logo appears misaligned, uses incorrect fonts, or shows poor print quality, you're likely looking at a counterfeit Pop. Cross-reference logo appearance with official Funko products from authorized retailers to verify authenticity.
Shop The Funko Pop Collection Now
3. Missing Serial Numbers
Serial number verification offers one of the most reliable authentication methods for modern Funko releases.
Authentic Funko Pop figures include:
-
Serial number on both the box bottom and the figure base
-
Matching codes between packaging and figure (for post-2020 releases)
-
Embossed or pressed numbers (not simply printed)
-
Verification capability through the official Funko app
Recent Funko releases feature matching serial number details between the box and the figure itself. While older releases may have non-matching numbers, you can still verify authenticity through the Funko mobile application's database.
Important note: Funko figures produced before 2020 may not have matching serial number details, but should still display proper numbering on both components.
4. Poor Paint Jobs and Color Accuracy
Funko maintains strict quality standards for paint application and color matching across its licensed products.
Authentic figures display:
-
Vibrant, accurate colors that match official character designs
-
Clean edge definition between different paint zones
-
Professional finish without visible brush marks or overspray
-
Color consistency matching promotional images
Counterfeit figures often show dull colors, paint bleeding between sections, or significantly different hues from authentic versions. Since Funko figurines represent characters from music, movies, television, and more, color accuracy remains essential for maintaining character authenticity.
Compare your figure's colors with official product images from Funko's website or authorized retailers to spot a fake.
5. Large Quantities of "Rare" Items
Large quantities of supposedly rare or exclusive Funko Pop figures indicate potential counterfeiting operations.
Red flags include:
-
Single sellers offering multiple units of vaulted exclusives
-
"Limited edition" figures available in bulk quantities
-
Convention exclusives sold in large lots
-
Rare figures with consistent availability from the same source
Authentic limited or special edition releases maintain scarcity through controlled production. When someone appears to have warehouse quantities of rare figures, question the authenticity — genuine Funko Pop releases don't exist in such volumes.
How to Avoid Buying Fake Funko Pops
- Purchase from verified sources: Always buy from established retailers with proven track records. Authorized Funko dealers like Toynk provide authenticity guarantees and customer protection.
- Verify licensing information: Genuine Funko Pop figures include complete licensing details on packaging. Use the Funko app to cross-reference printed information with official databases.
- Compare with official images: Match your potential purchase against clear images from Funko's official website. Pay attention to design details, stamps, sticker placement, font usage, and paint applications.
- Research seller's reputation: Read customer reviews and check seller ratings across platforms. Other collectors often share experiences about seller authenticity and product quality.
- Request detailed photos: If initial images appear blurry or limited, ask sellers for clear images showing serial number details, logos, and authentication marks from multiple angles.
- Check for new security features: Recent Funko releases include advanced anti-counterfeiting measures like QR code stickers and holographic elements that counterfeiters struggle to replicate.
Advanced Authentication: Modern Security Features
Funko has implemented sophisticated anti-counterfeiting technology in recent years:
QR Code Authentication: Many new releases feature QR codes linked to verification databases. Scan these codes through official apps to confirm authenticity instantly.
Holographic Stickers: Limited edition tiers now include specialized holographic stickers with unique optical properties that change color when viewed from different angles.
Material Quality: Authentic Funko vinyl figures have specific weight and texture characteristics. Counterfeit figures often feel lighter or have different surface textures due to inferior materials.
FAQs
Are all Funko Pops made in China fake?
No, not all Funko Pops made in China are fake. However, we suggest you remain vigilant when buying your Funko Pops and take the necessary steps to distinguish between real and fake.
How to tell if a Funko Pop has been opened?
You can tell if a Funko Pop has been opened by checking the seal. Look for signs of damage or if the tape has been cut or replaced.
How do I know if my Funko POP is valuable?
You can check the value of your Funko Pop through different online platforms, such as Price Pop Guide, HobbyDB, or the Funko app.
You can also visit Ebay and Amazon as price guides and see what similar Pops sell online.
Final Thoughts
Funko Pops became incredibly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic [2]. However, numerous pricey fake Funko Pop figurines are also sold in the secondary market.
That's why it's important to stay vigilant and thoroughly check the items before buying. Moreover, you should only purchase from your trusted sellers, like the TOYNK Funko Pop Collection.
So, if you're planning to start your Funko Pop collection or want to add another amazing figurine to an existing one, check out Godzilla Singular Point Funko Pop| Godzilla Ultima.
References:
-
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/04/19/from-concept-art-to-your-collection-how-funko-pops-are-made.html
-
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/consumers-indulged-in-funko-pop-figurines-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-213521995.html
