BrickLink Discussion Forum

In Suggestions, Rob_and_Shelagh writes:

In Suggestions, rofreder writes:

I've been had!!!

Suggestion: Counterfiet Seller's Registry

First time user of Bricklink. Was excited to buy "new sealed" discontinued star
wars set on behalf of my son at what I thought was a fair price.

Posted positive feedback immediately because item was sealed and appeared to
be in authentic packaging. All logos present with circled R and tm etc.
Upon inspection of parts even noticed "LEGO" on all studs. However edges were
sharper than genuine parts, also in general parts felt lighter, minor differences
in shapes of familiar elements. Amazed at the attention to detail of the fakers.
But, in my heart of hearts I know it's a fake set. Instructions and promotional
items all there etc. I don't think my son even knows or cares. I've also
compared the seals and box to "youtube speed build" of the same authentic set
and noted differences in seals and packaging(e.g. barcoded box seals).

Is there a way to report a seller if you believe they are selling fake sets?
I would like to report this person so that others don't fall victim as I
have. I would never want to pass this set or it's elements on as authentic.
I don't even care to fight for my money back, but I don't want this to
happen to others. It has eroded my trust in bricklink at this point.

Thanks for listenting to my rant,

Duped in NC

I agree with the other responses, I believe you have received a genuine set here
but if you are still concerned I would -

1. Contact the seller, share your concerns and ask where he obtained the set
from.

if you are still concerned -

2. Contact Lego Customer Services, I am sure they will be able to quickly determine
that the item is genuine or not by asking you a few detailed questions about
the product and/or packaging. To fake a set in the way you describe including
all TLG branding in the moulding would take a pretty large operation and investment
as injection moulding tooling is not cheap to put it mildly, I'm certain
they would know about it.

HTH

Robert

Hello All, and to my recent seller please accept my appologies.

Got in some other sets today straight from lego.com and compared elements. Couldn't
distinguish any serious differences. I suppose there is a little variation among
genuine lego factory molds and plastic composition.

Thank you all for your help and concern. Got my first set in the 70's and
thought I was an expert. Guess not.

-rofreder

Author:

rofreder

Posted:

Mar 21, 2017 01:42

Subject:

Re: Counterfiet Set Reporting

Viewed:

114 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, FigBits writes:

In Suggestions, rofreder writes:

Upon inspection of parts even noticed "LEGO" on all studs. However edges were
sharper than genuine parts, also in general parts felt lighter, minor differences
in shapes of familiar elements. Amazed at the attention to detail of the fakers.
But, in my heart of hearts I know it's a fake set.

This would be the first that I have heard of clones actually having LEGO on the
studs. Do you have a photo that highlights the differences ("minor differences
in shape") between a genuine brick and one you suspect is counterfeit?

--
Marc.

Ok. Will attempt pictures when possible. Thanks

Author:

rofreder

Posted:

Mar 21, 2017 01:25

Subject:

Re: Counterfiet Set Reporting

Viewed:

112 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, MarshMan80 writes:

Why then did you leave the sell positive feedback "good seller; item as advertised
and in good condition"
If it was a defective/ fake item. Your feedback does not look like your un happy
with the item you bought. Have you contacted the seller? What does he have to
say about this? His other feed back reviews look good.

Marshal

Thank you for your reply. Was not as careful with the inspection as I should
have been. I was eager to leave feedback due to quick shipping on seller's
part. Was greatful to let my son get started building. It wasn't until close
inspection of the elements after my son had taken a break from building that
I realized something wasn't right.

I have not contacted the seller.

I do not wish to contact the seller. The damage is done. I just want to help
others that care about genuine LEGO.

I would suggest more info on spotting fake sets so that others don't make
the same mistake that I made. Also, if possible, a way to show verification that
you have been sold a fake and a way to report it (that is fair to the seller
as well). Possible weight comparisons of individual elements. Posting pictures
of the absence of bar coded seals. Posting pictures of diferences in genuine
vs. fake elements.

Just some ideas that may help fight the fakes.

Thank you

Author:

rofreder

Posted:

Mar 21, 2017 00:43

Subject:

Counterfiet Set Reporting

Viewed:

375 times

Topic:

Status:

Discarded