The most immediate issue with fake board games is the compromised quality. Counterfeiters cut corners to maximize profit, resulting in:
- Poor Print Quality: Faded colors, blurry images, and misaligned text are common indicators.
- Inferior Materials: Thinner cardboard, flimsy plastic miniatures, and low-quality card stock degrade the playing experience.
- Missing or Incorrect Components: Rules discrepancies, missing dice, or the wrong number of tokens are frequently reported.
- Gameplay Imbalance: Because counterfeiters don't focus on accurate replication, the game's balance can be skewed, making it less enjoyable or even unplayable.
Purchasing fake board games inadvertently supports unethical and potentially illegal practices. Counterfeit operations often involve:
- Exploitation of Labor: These operations may employ unfair labor practices and provide unsafe working conditions.
- Copyright Infringement: Counterfeiting directly violates intellectual property laws, harming the original creators and publishers.
- Funding of Illegal Activities: The profits generated from counterfeit goods can be used to fund other illegal activities, such as organized crime.
The proliferation of fake "famous board" games has a significant economic impact on the board game industry. Legitimate publishers lose revenue, which can hinder their ability to develop new games and support existing titles. This ultimately hurts the entire board game community.
The packaging is often the first and most telling sign of a fake. Look for the following:
- Low-Quality Printing: Check for blurry images, faded colors, and misaligned text on the box. Compare the box art to images of the genuine product online.
- Spelling and Grammatical Errors: Counterfeiters often overlook typos and grammatical mistakes on the box, rulebook, and other materials.
- Incorrect Box Dimensions or Material: Compare the size and weight of the box to the specifications listed online. The cardboard may feel flimsy or be a different thickness than the authentic product.
- Missing or Incorrect Logos: Verify that all the official logos (publisher, designer, etc.) are present and correctly placed.
- Poorly Sealed Packaging: Genuine board games are typically sealed with high-quality shrink wrap. Look for signs of tampering or resealing.
Once you open the box, carefully inspect the game components:
- Card Quality: Fake board games often use low-quality card stock that feels thin and flimsy. The printing may be dull or pixelated. Check for consistent sizing and alignment.
- Miniature Quality (if applicable): Inspect the miniatures for rough edges, poor detailing, and inconsistent painting. The plastic may feel cheap or brittle.
- Token and Tile Quality: Look for warped or uneven tokens and tiles. The printing may be misaligned or easily scratched off.
- Rulebook Inconsistencies: Compare the rulebook to a digital copy found online. Look for typos, grammatical errors, unclear instructions, and missing pages.
- Dice Quality: Fake dice may have uneven edges, poorly defined numbers, and inconsistent weight.
A significantly lower price than the average market price should raise a red flag. Research the typical retail price of the board game before making a purchase. While sales and discounts are common, a price that seems drastically lower is often an indication of a counterfeit product. Be especially cautious when buying from unfamiliar or unverified online marketplaces.
When purchasing online, carefully check the seller's reputation and feedback. Look for:
- Seller Ratings and Reviews: Read reviews from other customers to see if they have had positive or negative experiences with the seller.
- Seller Location: Be wary of sellers located in countries known for counterfeiting.
- Return Policies: Check the seller's return policy. A reputable seller will offer a reasonable return policy if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
- Communication: Test the seller's responsiveness by asking questions about the product. A legitimate seller should be able to answer your questions promptly and accurately.
Utilize online resources to compare your suspected fake to authentic versions. Search for:
- Unboxing Videos: Watch unboxing videos of the genuine board game on YouTube. Pay close attention to the packaging, components, and overall quality.
- Image Galleries: Search for high-resolution images of the board game on Google Images, BoardGameGeek, and other board game websites. Compare the details to your suspected fake.
- Community Forums: Join online board game forums and communities to ask for advice and share images of your suspected fake. Experienced gamers may be able to help you identify counterfeit characteristics.
The safest way to ensure you're purchasing an authentic board game is to buy from authorized retailers. These include:
- Local Game Stores: Support your local game store! They are knowledgeable and can verify the authenticity of their products.
- Reputable Online Retailers: Purchase from well-known online retailers like Amazon (ensure it's "Sold by Amazon.com" or the official publisher), Barnes & Noble, and Target.
- Publisher Websites: Buy directly from the publisher's website. This is the most reliable way to guarantee authenticity.
Be cautious when buying from online marketplaces with a large number of independent sellers, especially those with limited buyer protection. These marketplaces are more likely to harbor counterfeiters. Examples include some smaller sections of eBay or less reputable online storefronts.
Contact the seller immediately and request a refund. Explain why you believe the product is a counterfeit. If the seller refuses to cooperate, escalate the issue with the marketplace or payment processor.
Report the counterfeit to the appropriate authorities. This helps protect other consumers and prevents counterfeiters from continuing their operations. You can report to:
- The Publisher: Contact the board game publisher and provide them with details about the counterfeit.
- The Marketplace: Report the seller to the online marketplace where you purchased the game.
- The International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC): The IACC is a non-profit organization dedicated to combating counterfeiting. They have a reporting system for consumers.
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC): In the United States, you can report counterfeit goods to the FTC.
Leave a review for the product on the marketplace where you purchased it. This will warn other potential buyers about the counterfeit and help them avoid making the same mistake.
- International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC): https://www.iacc.org/
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): https://www.ftc.gov/
- BoardGameGeek (BGG): https://boardgamegeek.com/ (for image comparisons and community forums)