Konnichiwa, dear anime fans! Do you want to learn how to spot fake anime figures so you never waste money on inferior copies again? Then you've come to the right place. As passionate collectors, we know exactly how frustrating it is to buy an expensive "original" figure only to later discover that it's a cheap fake.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll show you 7 proven methods to instantly tell if your anime figure is real or fake. Plus, at the end, you'll learn where you can buy guaranteed authentic figures.
Why is it so important to be able to recognize fake anime figures?
The hard facts:
35% of all anime figures sold online are fakes
Fake figures often contain toxic materials (lead, phthalates)
Original figures retain their value - fakes become worthless
Collectors lose an average of €280 per year through fake purchases
The 7 Ultimate Methods: Detect Anime Figure Fakes Like a Pro
1. The packaging check: Your first line of defense You can immediately recognize original figures by their packaging:

✅ Real figures have:
High-quality, glossy cardboard without creases
Sharp, color-intensive prints
Flawless German/Japanese texts without spelling mistakes
Hologram sticker or security seal
Official copyright logo (©)
❌ You can recognize fake figures by:
Matt, cheap cardboard with blurry print
Strange translation errors ("Draagon Ball" instead of "Dragon Ball")
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Missing or counterfeit logos
Blurry or pixelated images
Suspicious price stickers over the original
Pro tip: Take photos of the packaging and compare them with official pictures on MyFigureCollection.net
2. Manufacturer logo analysis: Proof of authenticity
The big players and their distinguishing features:
Good Smile Company:
Logo always precisely razor sharp
Hologram sticker on the packaging side
QR code for authenticity verification (since 2023)
Banpresto:
"BANPRESTO" logo in special font
Often "PRIZE" marking on arcade figures
Reputable wholesaler codes on the bottom
SEGA:
Unmistakable blue SEGA logo
"PM" (Premium) marking for high-quality figures
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Authentic product numbers (always starting with SPM/SQ/LPM)
Max Factory/figma:
Signature orange figma logo
Numbered certificates for limited editions
High-quality blister packaging
3. Material and workmanship quality: This is where the truth is revealed
Real figures vs. fakes - the difference is clear:

Originals:
Even, clean color transitions
Precise details down to the smallest corners
Heavy, high-quality PVC/ABS material
No visible casting seam traces
Perfect proportions and symmetry
Counterfeits:
Uneven color distribution, often too light/dark
Smudged or missing details
Lightweight, cheap plastic
Visible adhesive residue or assembly marks
Crooked heads or unnatural poses
The 5-second test: Weigh the figure in your hand. Originals feel heavy and valuable, while fakes are noticeably light.

4. The price reality check: If it's too cheap...
Realistic price ranges 2025:
Figure type |
Original price |
Fake price |
Suspicion threshold |
Prize Figures (18cm) |
25-45€ |
8-15€ |
Under 20€ |
Scale figures (20-25cm) |
80-150€ |
20-35€ |
Under 50€ |
Premium Figures |
150-300€ |
30-60€ |
Under 80€ |
Limited Editions |
200-500€ |
40-80€ |
Under 120€ |
Rule of thumb: If the price is more than 60% below the market price, caution is advised.
5. The Socket Test: Often Overlooked Traitor Details
Original bases have:
Copyright information engraved or embossed
High-quality surface structure
Perfect fit without wobbling
Often serial/product numbers
Fake sockets are:
-
Cheap looking with poor haptics
Without copyright notices
Often too big/small for the figure
With visible production defects
6. The detailed inspection: Where counterfeiters give themselves away
Check these critical areas:
Face and hair:
Eye shape and color exactly like the original
Clean hair strands without fusions
Natural skin color without spots
Clothing and accessories:
Correct color tones (compare with anime screenshots)
Clean folds and seams
All details present (buttons, jewelry, weapons)
Poses and proportions:
Stable, balanced pose
Anatomically correct proportions
No strange contortions
7. The serial number check: The final proof
Here's how to proceed:
Find the serial number (usually on the base or packaging)
Check on the manufacturer's website
Use apps like "Figure Authentication"
Comparisons with databases like MyFigureCollection
StartInstant Checklist: Detect Anime Figure Fakes in 60 Seconds
Print out this checklist and take it with you when you buy your figures:
[ ] Packaging high quality and flawless?
[ ] Manufacturer logo sharp and correct?
[ ] Price in a realistic range?
[ ] Figure feels heavy and valuable?
[ ] Are all the details neatly processed?
[ ] Proportions match the original?
[ ] Serial number present and verifiable?
Result:
7/7 ✓ = Most likely original
5-6/7 ✓ = Further inspection required
0-4/7 ✓ = High probability of fake
What to do if you have already bought a fake?
Your rights as a German consumer:
14-day right of withdrawal for online purchases
Warranty even for fakes advertised as "original"
PayPal buyer protection with appropriate payment
Chargeback for credit card payments
Step-by-step procedure:
-
Document the fraud with photos
Contact the seller immediately
If refused: Contact platform support
Leave a review to warn others
Where you can buy guaranteed real anime figures
After all these warnings, you're probably wondering: "Where can I safely buy original figures?"
Our recommendation: OtakuOasis - 100% original guarantee
Why OtakuOasis is the safest choice for anime collectors:
✅ Verified original product:
Direct import from authorized wholesalers from Japan and Europe
Each figure is checked for authenticity before shipping
Certificate for every order over 50€
✅ Fair prices without fake competition:
Market-based prices for real quality
No artificially inflated "original" prices
Regular sales and pre-order promotions
✅ Collector service:
Personal advice from real otakus
Notification of new releases of your favorite series
-
Repair service for damaged figures
✅ German standard:
Fast shipping from Germany (1-3 business days)
German customer service
Full warranty under German law
No customs hassle with imports
Our most popular original figures:
Current top sellers (all 100% original):
Demon Slayer figures from SEGA and Aniplex
Chainsaw Man Power by Good Smile Company
Jujutsu Kaisen Gojo by Banpresto
Attack on Titan Premium Figures by WIT Studio
One Piece Grandline Series by Banpresto
🛒 Discover original figures now at OtakuOasis
Bonus tips for advanced collectors
Figure apps for on the go:
MyFigureCollection : World's largest figure database
Figure-rise : Price comparison and authenticity check
-
Otaku Calendar : Release dates and preorder alerts
Community recommendations:
Instagram -> Click here
Tiktok -> Click here
Facebook Groups : "Anime Figures Germany" for local deals - Coming soon!
Conclusion: With knowledge to the perfect anime figure collector
The most important things summarized again:
You can recognize fake anime figures by:
Systematically work through all 7 checkpoints
realistically assesses prices (not too cheap = suspicious)
Only buy from trusted dealers
If in doubt , ask again
The golden rule: It's better to spend €20 more on a genuine original than to lose €50 on a fake that breaks after a few months. Authentic figures not only retain their quality but also their value over the years and can even increase in price.
As a true otaku, you know: Our favorite characters deserve only the best. With this guide, you're now perfectly equipped to build your collection with high-quality, original figures that will bring you years of joy. You now know the key features to identify fakes, know where to shop safely, and have learned what to look for when it comes to prices and sellers.
Good luck with your collecting, and may your shelf soon be full of authentic anime treasures! 🌸