Counterfeit minifigures are a real problem on big marketplaces, and they tend to spike around Christmas, when lots of people are buying gifts in a hurry. If you're collecting, or just unwrapped a figure that looks a little off, here are the checks we'd run. We only ever sell genuine LEGO® parts, so we know how important it is to get this right.
One caution first: no single sign proves a figure is fake or genuine. Counterfeiters improve all the time, so look at several clues together.
1. Look for the LEGO logo
Genuine LEGO elements carry the LEGO logo, most famously on the top of the studs. Check the stud on the head and the studs on any accessories or plates. Be aware that a few very small or older parts don't carry it, and good fakes can copy it, so treat it as one clue rather than the whole answer.
2. Inspect the printing
LEGO prints are crisp, with clean edges and consistent colours. On suspect figures we often see:
- Blurry or bleeding edges on the face and torso printing
- Colours that are slightly too bright, too dull or the wrong shade
- Faces that look subtly "off", with eyes or smiles in the wrong place
It helps to compare the figure to a photo of the real thing. Every figure we list has its catalogue code in the title, so you can look it up on a reference site such as BrickLink and compare.
3. Feel the plastic
Genuine minifigures are made from a hard, glossy plastic and the surface should feel smooth and consistent. Fakes can feel waxy, rough or brittle, and sometimes have visible seams or rough edges where the mould halves meet.
4. Test the fit
This is the one most collectors swear by. Real parts clip together firmly but release cleanly. Heads should click onto the neck, arms should swing with a little resistance and legs should sit snugly on the hips. If a limb is loose, impossibly tight or won't connect at all, be suspicious.
5. Check the price and the seller
If a rare character is priced far below what the same figure costs everywhere else, there's usually a reason. Look at the seller's history, read the reviews, and be wary of listings that show a stock photo but won't let you ask for a picture of the actual item.
6. Trust a seller who explains
Good sellers use official catalogue codes, state the condition and answer questions. Each item we sell is checked against its catalogue entry, graded using one of four standard conditions (see our condition guide), and if you'd like a photo of the exact item before you buy, just ask us through the contact page.
What if you've already bought one?
If you've ended up with a figure you think is fake, contact the seller or the marketplace. Many offer buyer protection for items that aren't as described. Keep the photos and the listing.
Want to shop with confidence?
Everything we list is genuine LEGO, with the catalogue code in the title and a clear condition grade. Start with our full minifigure range or the latest arrivals.