How to Spot Fake Hot Toys

When it comes to the high-end collectible action figures, there are few brands more prestigious and popular than Hot Toys. Given that these figures can be incredibly expensive it was perhaps inevitable that cheap, low-quality knock offs would become available. And while fortunately these rip offs are relatively few and far between, they do crop up from time to time. That’s why in this post we’re taking a look at just how to spot fake Hot Toys and how to avoid them altogether.

Tips for Spotting a Fake Hot Toys Figure

1. Check the Packaging

Whether you’re buying a Hot Toy online or in person, one of the easiest ways to tell that it’s a fake is by taking a closer look at the packaging. Poor Photoshop jobs, misspellings and low quality printing are all dead giveaways that the Hot Toys figure you’re looking at may be a fake. Also bear in mind that Hot Toys don’t include windows that allow you to open the front of the box and look inside (instead you literally have to pull everything out), so this is a warning sign that what you’re dealing with isn’t the real thing.

2. Check the Paintwork

If you’re buying a Hot Toys figure in person, be sure to closely inspect it. Legit Hot Toys are known for their incredible realism, so sloppy paint work is a red flag that you may be looking at a fake. Pay particularly close attention to the face and eyes. These are usually an easy way to tell if you have a forgery on your hand. If you’re purchasing a figure online also be sure ask to see high-res detailed photos (many scammers will simply include photos from the Sideshow or Hot Toys website). In the photos if they can include a date stamp (even simply by putting a piece of paper with the date next to it) you’ll be more confident that what you’re getting is indeed the real thing.

A fake Hot Toys Wolverine head next to a real one.

3. Check the Quanitity

Hot Toys are extremely limited, with runs usually offering a few thousand figures for the entire global market. As such, it’s unlikely that a seller is going to have more than one or two of any given figure. If an online or physical retailer has dozens of Hot Toys action figures available, chances are they’re all fake.

4. Check the Price

There’s no doubt that Hot Toys can be extremely expensive, with the average figure easily costing several hundred dollars or more. If a supposedly brand new Hot Toys figure you’re looking at is going for less than this, it may be a sign that it’s a fake. Remember the age old adage of buyer beware and if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

5. Check the Official Sideshow Website

When in doubt, check out the official Hot Toys listing on Sideshow. Here you can see more high-res photos and get a general sense of what’s included, the details of the figure and the accompanying package. You should compare the images and specs on Sideshow with the product you’re thinking of buying.

As an example of what to look for, check out this amazing video from the popular YouTube channel Keyboard Warriors, which shows the difference between a Hot Toys Thanos and a cheap knock off.

How to Avoid Fake Hot Toys

1. Only Buy from Reputable Sellers

To ensure that what you’re getting is not a fake Hot Toys figure, make sure you only deal with reputable sellers. The most reputable provider is Sideshow Collectibles (which is the official distributor of Hot Toys for most of the world), but there are also other online and brick and mortar providers, including BigBadToyStore and Toys Wonderland. Be sure to also check out our guide on Where to Buy Hot Toys for other suggestions.

2. Be Cautious Buying from China

While Hot Toys head office is located in Hong Kong, most of the manufacturing actually occurs in South Korea. Unfortunately, China is also one of the largest manufacturers of fake products, including Hot Toys. That’s not to say that every retailer in China selling Hot Toys is offering knock offs, but that if you do decide to purchase from one, you should ensure they’re reputable by checking out reviews and asking questions about specific products.

3. Be Cautious Buying from eBay

While eBay is an amazing place to find collectibles, it’s also one of the biggest contributors to the distribution of fake Hot Toys figures. If you do purchase on eBay be sure to check the seller’s reviews and ratings and ask them plenty of questions before pulling the trigger. You should also ensure they offer returns and refunds (both of which are processed via eBay for added security).

4. Ask the Collector Community

When in doubt, ask the experts. In fact, there are a ton of incredibly helpful Hot Toys community forums, such as Collector Freaks and One Sixth Warriors, where you can post photos, ask questions and get more information to steer you in the right direction. It’s an invaluable way to ensure that what you’re purchasing is legit.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, the answer to the question: how to spot fake Hot Toys. While these knock offs are relatively rare, they do still exist and spending hundreds of dollars on a poorly produced forgery can be extremely frustrating. Ultimately, the most important thing is to do your research and use plenty of caution, because when it comes to Hot Toys – as with countless other things in life – nothing beats the real thing.

More About Hot Toys

Learn more at the links below or visit our Hot Toys Collectibles Guide.

Hot Toys Reviews & News

Check out our latest reviews of new figures below or visit our Hot Toys reviews page.

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