The Rise of Fake Sonny Angels – How to Spot a Counterfeit

Sonny Angels have taken the world by storm, captivating collectors with their adorable designs and blind box mystery factor. But with their growing popularity comes an unfortunate downside—counterfeit Sonny Angels are flooding the market. These knockoff figures are deceiving unsuspecting buyers, often at prices close to (or even higher than) the real thing.

If you’re a collector, how can you tell if your Sonny Angel is real or fake? And what is the brand doing to fight back against counterfeiters? Let’s dive in.


🚨 The Problem: Fake Sonny Angels Everywhere!

From eBay to TikTok shop resellers to even third party marketplace sellers on some big retailers, counterfeit Sonny Angels are showing up at alarming rates. Many buyers think they’re getting a great deal—only to unbox a poorly made figure with off-color painting, cheap materials, and incorrect branding.

According to seasoned collectors, fake Sonny Angels can sometimes be so convincing that even experienced buyers struggle to tell the difference at first glance.


🧐 How to Spot a Fake Sonny Angel

If you’re worried about accidentally buying a knockoff, here are some key things to check:

1. Packaging Details

Real Sonny Angels:

  • Feature crisp, clear printing
  • Have official branding, logos, and copyright information
  • Display authentic holographic stickers on certain editions
  • Include a genuine product number on the bottom of the packaging

Fake Sonny Angels:

  • May have blurry text, incorrect fonts, or faded colors
  • Sometimes misspell words (a dead giveaway!)
  • Have flimsy, cheap-feeling boxes


2. Material & Paint Quality

Authentic Sonny Angels:

  • Made of high-quality, smooth PVC plastic
  • Have even, vibrant paintwork with no smudges
  • Eyes are symmetrically placed and match official designs
  • Have a clear printed Sonny Angel Dreams copyright stamp on the foot

Fake Sonny Angels:

  • Feel rough, lightweight, or greasy to the touch
  • Have poor paint application—look out for uneven eyes, weird blush, or smudged colors
  • Sometimes smell strongly of chemicals (due to low-quality plastic)
  • Often has a pink, darker or uneven undertone
  • Some fakes are getting really good, so if you're unsure then always look at the quality of the lines, feeling of the material, and overall craftsmanship.

3. Size & Proportions

  • Official Sonny Angels always maintain specific proportions
  • Some fakes are slightly shorter or thinner than real ones. Please note that this is not to be confused with unrefined Sonny's
  • If your Sonny Angel looks oddly stretched or shrunk, it might be a counterfeit


4. Where You Buy Matters

Buy from:

  • Official retailers (Sonny Angel’s website, trusted boutiques, authorized stores)
  • Reputable online stores - (HobbiesvilleGurashies) 

Avoid suspicious sellers on:

  • AliExpress, or shady Instagram shops with low reviews
  • TikTok resellers without clear return policies
  • Too-good-to-be-true deals on eBay or Mercari

 


🛑 What Is the Brand Doing About It?

Sonny Angel’s parent company, Dreams Inc., has been cracking down on counterfeits by:
✔️ Releasing official authentication stickers on newer releases
✔️ Encouraging buyers to report counterfeit listings
✔️ Partnering with retailers to ensure legit distribution

However, the fight against fakes is ongoing. Many collectors believe the company should increase awareness campaigns and expand their list of authorized retailers to prevent buyers from being scammed.


Final Thoughts – Stay Smart, Stay Safe!

With Sonny Angels gaining popularity, the counterfeit market is only growing. But by learning to spot fakes, buying from trusted sources, and spreading awareness, collectors can protect themselves and their collections!

Have you ever accidentally bought a fake Sonny Angel? Share your experience with us so that we can spread the word!

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