At the time of writing my first article about fake Pops (the Captain Spaulding one — still floating around somewhere in the archives!), it surprised me how many people were being caught out. So here’s the updated, all-in-one guide for spotting a fake Funko Pop, no matter who the character is.
If you’re here because a deal looks a little too good to be true… you’re probably right to be suspicious.
Whether you’re new to collecting or knee-deep in grails, these are the steps that’ll save you from wasting your hard-earned cash on counterfeits.
Quick Checklist for Spotting a Fake Funko Pop
- Does the seller’s location match where they say they’re based? (Lots of fakes come from China or Hong Kong.)
- Is the seller using real photos of the item, not just stock images?
- Do they have solid feedback or collector reputation?
- Does the figure have a serial number on the back of the head or foot — and does it match the one printed on the box?
- Is the paintwork crisp and accurate, without sloppy edges or excess plastic from molding?
- Does the box design and colour scheme perfectly match the character? (Compare with official images if unsure.)
- Is the price realistic? If it’s too cheap for a vaulted or exclusive figure, assume it’s fake until proven otherwise.
- For newer releases, check for QR stickers and scan them (see below).
Why Fakes Exist (and Why You Should Care)
Just because a Pop only costs £14.99 new doesn’t mean it’s not worth counterfeiting. Many of the most faked Pops are exclusives, vaulted releases, or anything connected to a major fandom moment (like an actor passing away or a new movie launch).
Most fake Pops come from large-scale producers in Asia — and some of these factories literally advertise the ability to make “Funko-style figures.” The moulds, boxes, and paints are close enough to fool casual collectors, so knowing what to look for is crucial.
Buy From Trusted Sellers
The simplest way to avoid getting scammed is to buy from trusted sources.
If you’re buying a brand new release, especially an exclusive or chase, stick to official retailers and authorised Funko stockists.
Trusted UK & EU sellers include:
- Funko Europe (funkoeurope.com)
- EMP (emp.co.uk)
- Pop In A Box (popinabox.co.uk)
- GAME, HMV, MenKind, The Entertainer, Tesco, Asda, Primark, Zavvi
Independent comic and collectible stores are often great too — just check they buy direct from distributors and not from third-party resellers.
If you’re buying online from eBay, Facebook Marketplace or Amazon, double-check:
- Seller location (if it says “UK” but ships from China — run).
- Feedback quality.
- Photos of the actual item — not stock images.
And remember: if it’s way cheaper than market value, it’s fake or faulty.
Serial Numbers and Box Checks
Every genuine Funko Pop figure has a serial number printed (or stamped) either on the back of the head or on one of the feet. This number should also appear on the bottom of the box.
Check these carefully:
- If the Pop has no serial number at all, it’s a fake.
- If it has one, compare it to the box — they should match.
- But note: counterfeiters are getting better, and sometimes replicate the same numbers. So don’t rely on this alone.
Also pay attention to the box print quality:
- Look for fuzzy edges, dull colours, or odd fonts.
- Counterfeit boxes are often re-scanned and re-printed from photos of real ones, losing crispness in small details like copyright text or contact info.
- If the cardboard feels cheap or floppy, that’s another red flag.
Paintwork, Plastic & Packaging
Even with all the right numbers, a fake still gives itself away in the details:
- Real Pops have clean paint lines, sharp eyes, and properly filled colours.
- Fakes often have messy paint, incorrect colours, or visible glue marks.
- Some will even have bits of excess vinyl left from poor moulding.
- The weight can also be off — some counterfeits are noticeably lighter or feel hollow.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off when you hold it, it probably is.
Modern Check: QR Stickers & the Funko App
As of late 2024, Funko has started rolling out a new QR + Code verification sticker system in partnership with Octane5 to help collectors authenticate their Pops.
Where to Find It
- You’ll usually see it on the front of the box, where the special edition or exclusive sticker sits.
- It includes a QR code and a unique serial number printed on the sticker.
How to Use It
- Scan the QR code with your phone camera.
- You’ll be redirected to an Octane5 verification page.
- Enter the unique code printed next to the QR.
- If it’s real, the page confirms it’s an authentic Funko product.
You can read more about this system here: Funko x Octane5 Official Announcement
The Funko App (Your Collector Companion)
The official Funko App is available for iOS and Android.
It lets you:
- Scan barcodes to look up Pops in the official Funko catalog
- Check current trending values (via their eBay integration)
- Add Pops to your collection or wishlist
- Verify that your Pop actually exists as an official listing
Important: The app can help verify details, but it’s not foolproof — counterfeiters often copy barcodes from real Pops, so some fakes will still scan correctly.
Use it as a helpful tool, but always double-check physical details.
Pro Tips from Collectors
- Compare your Pop to official images on Funko.com.
- Look up known fake comparisons on Reddit or collector forums.
- Avoid “too good to be true” bundles from sellers outside your region.
- For secondhand buys, ask for close-up photos of serials, box flaps, and sticker areas.
- If the seller refuses detailed photos or rushes you — walk away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Funko Pops have QR codes now?
No, only newer releases (mainly exclusives and event Pops) include the new QR/Octane5 stickers. Older Pops rely on traditional markings and box details.
Can I verify a Pop just by scanning it in the Funko App?
No — it helps confirm the Pop exists, but doesn’t guarantee your figure is real. Some fakes copy real barcodes.
If my Pop has no serial number, can it still be real?
Not likely. Every genuine Pop (except some older prototypes or errors) should have one on the figure itself.
Final Thoughts
Counterfeit Funko Pops have come a long way — and unfortunately, so have the scammers.
But with a bit of know-how and the right tools (including the Funko App and the new QR sticker system), you can stay ahead of the fakers.
Remember: trust your gut, buy from reputable sources, and don’t be afraid to ask questions in the community.
If this guide helped you, drop us a message or share it with your fellow collectors. Let’s keep the hobby real.
— The Nerd Life Shop Crew
