How to Tell if Sonny Angels are Fake (and Where to Buy Real Ones)

PDF download Download Article
Look for these warning signs to tell if your Sonny Angel is authentic
PDF download Download Article

Sonny Angels are some of the hottest and cutest collectible figures right now, but that also means lots of fakes are entering the market. Even though fakes can look pretty similar to real Sonny Angels, there are some telltale signs to help you spot a counterfeit. Keep reading, as we’ll cover how to tell if a Sonny Angel is real or fake , plus where to buy real ones in stores and from resellers .

How to Tell if Sonny Angels are Fake

  • Packaging errors or misprints: Fake Sonny Angels have dull colors, blurry images, misspelled text, and missing logos on the exterior packaging.
  • Clear bag instead of foil: Fake Sonny Angels may be packaged inside a transparent plastic bag, while real figures come in opaque foil bags.
  • Shiny material: Fake Sonny Angels use glossy plastic that is more reflective than the matte PVC used in real figures.
  • Missing foot stamps: Fake Sonny Angels don’t have printing on the bottoms of their feet, while real ones list the brand name, series year, and a “Made in China” stamp.
Section 1 of 4:

How to Spot Knock-Off Sonny Angels

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    No plastic wrapping Real Sonny Angel figures are sold in hexagonal blind boxes that are sealed with clear plastic wrap. If you notice that the box has a different shape or is unsealed, then there’s a chance that it’s fake or has been tampered with. [1]
    • Counterfeiters can easily shrink-wrap fake boxes, so be sure to check for other signs to confirm that the product is real or fake.
  2. 2
    Packaging misprints or errors Sonny Angel packages are usually bright and colorful with clear images and crisp packaging without spelling errors. Real Sonny Angels also list the official website and have the Dreams company logo on the side of the packaging. If you notice blurry images, misspelled words, grammatically incorrect text, or dull packaging, then you’re most likely dealing with a fake.
    • Real products list the possible Sonny Angel figures that could be inside the box, including a silhouette of a secret figure. Many fakes don’t list the secret figure, but newer counterfeits may include it. [2]
    • Some fake products use older rectangular packaging that hasn’t been used for official releases since 2010. [3]
    Advertisement
  3. 3
    Clear packaging bag Once you open the box, real Sonny Angels are sealed in a colorful opaque foil bag that has the Sonny Angel logo printed on it. Many fake products use a clear plastic bag that lets you see the figure, or have a paler-colored foil bag. [4]
    • The foil color varies depending on the Sonny Angel series.
    • Some counterfeiters may even try to sell Sonny Angel figures without any packaging.
  4. 4
    Poor figure quality Real Sonny Angels have a solid construction and clean seams between the different pieces of the figure. Their wings should be even, and their bodies will look proportionate. If you have a fake figure, features like wings and eyebrows may be crooked, or there may be noticeable rough edges where the pieces come together. [5]
  5. 5
    Glossy material A real Sonny Angel figure is made from matte PVC that has a sturdy build. Fake Sonny Angels tend to use shinier and flimsier plastic, so they’re easier to bend and flex compared to authentic figures.
  6. 6
    Sloppy paint job Real Sonny Angels have a clean paint job with soft colors and smooth transitions between different shades. Fake Sonny Angel figures tend to have splotchier paint, specks of wrong colors in other areas, and messy lines where colors change.
    • One telltale sign of a fake paint job is looking at the figure’s eyes. If the pupils look like they’re crooked or looking in 2 different directions, then it’s most likely a fake.
    • Some Reddit users warn that real products may have more paint manufacturing errors during peak purchase times due to how popular the figures have become.
  7. 7
    No foot stamps Real Sonny Angel figures have “Sonny Angel © Dreams” followed by the year the series was printed on one foot, and “Made in China” printed on the other foot. If you don’t see any stamps on the bottom of your figure’s feet, then you have a counterfeit Sonny Angel. [6]
    • Older figures made before 2018 only have “Dreams” followed by the date printed on their foot.
    • On Sonny Angel Hippers, the printing stamp is located on the flat section of the figure’s belly.
  8. 8
    Cheaper or more expensive prices Real Sonny Angels usually cost around $10-15 USD for a single blind box. If you notice one for sale for much cheaper, there’s a good chance it’s a low-quality fake. [7] Even if a seller charges a higher amount for a sealed box, it could be a scam to get you to spend more money.
    9. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Where to Buy Real Sonny Angels

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Buy directly from the Sonny Angel online stores or official distributors. The best way to ensure you get the real deal is using the official online store or a licensed distributor site for your area. Even if the site doesn’t list where you’re located, you may still try placing an order through the Japanese storefront . [8]
  2. 2
    Use the store locator to find a verified seller. If you want to shop for Sonny Angels locally, select your state from the store locator and look for the nearest retailer listed. The Sonny Angels sold at any of these locations are verified real because they’ve partnered with the company to carry authentic products.
    • While you may be tempted to buy from sellers like Walmart, Depop, Mercari, or Amazon, there’s a bigger risk that you’ll purchase a counterfeit. Read our tips for buying from resellers for more info.
    3. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

How to Safely Buy Sonny Angels from Resellers

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Check for good reviews. When you’re looking for a third-party seller, always double-check reviews other customers have left to see if they’re happy with the purchase. [9] If there are a lot of positive reviews that mention real Sonny Angels, then you’re probably safe buying from them too. If there are negative reviews or mentions of fakes, then opt for a different seller.
  2. 2
    Find out their return policy. Some scammers or counterfeiters will say all sales are final without the option for a refund. As you’re searching for a reseller, read through the return policy to make sure they have one in place and that you can get refunded in case there’s something wrong with your Sonny Angel figure.
  3. 3
    Ask for more pictures if you want to see more details. Online resellers should have no problem sharing additional photos or pointing out any defects on the Sonny Angel figures. If you’re curious, ask them to take new photos, especially of the box, packaging, and details on the figure.
    • If the seller refuses to send more pictures or if new pictures look different than old ones they sent, then there’s a good chance they’re selling fakes or scamming you.
  4. 4
    Use a secure payment method with purchase protection. Whenever you make a purchase, use the payment method on the site to ensure the money is transferred safely. If you’re purchasing from a local seller, use PayPal Goods and Services or Venmo with Buyer Protection in case you don’t receive the Sonny Angel.
    • If possible, use a credit card for online purchases because they have better protections if you get scammed. [10]
    5. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Sonny Angels FAQs

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    What can you do if you buy a defective Sonny Angel? If a Sonny Angel you bought from the online store was damaged or defective out of the box, you can return it within 14 days. Fill out the contact form on their site along with the order number, a description of what’s wrong, and images of the figure you bought. If the return is accepted, then you can get a return or full refund. [11]
    • You cannot get a refund for normal wear and tear on a figure or if there’s only damage to the box.
    • Sonny Angel does not accept returns for any other reasons.
  2. 2
    What are refined Sonny Angels? Refined Sonny Angels are any figures made in or after 2018 when the company made small changes to the design and packaging. Sonny Angels made before 2018 are considered “unrefined” because the head and body shapes were slightly different between series. As of 2018, all the series use the same slimmer head and body shapes. [12]
    • Even though unrefined Sonny Angels look different and are harder to authenticate, they are still made from high-quality materials and will have solid craftsmanship.
  3. 3
    Is it bad to buy fake Sonny Angels? While it can be disappointing to find out you have a fake Sonny Angel, it only really matters if you’re a serious collector or planning on reselling them. If you’re still happy with the Sonny Angel you have and you think it’s cute, then simply enjoy the one you have!
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Counterfeit Sonny Angels are becoming more and more difficult to spot. Always double-check the products you’re buying or buy from a verified seller so you don’t accidentally get a fake.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Get Effects on Snapchat
      How to
      Relieve & Prevent Headaches & Migraines Fast
      How to
      Quickly and Easily Unclog a Toilet
      How to
      Use Uber for the First Time: Complete Beginner's Guide
      How to
      Take a Screenshot on a Windows PC: 8 Simple Tricks
      A Complete Guide to French Braiding Hair
      How to
      Play Poker
      How to
      Take Care of Potted Orchids
      How to
      Make a Piñata
      How to
      Make Guacamole
      How to
      Meditate
      How to
      Surf
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@breezyxleex3/video/7511782686608985374
      2. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@_bridgette_8/video/7424293400612015403
      3. ↑ https://www.sonnyangel.com/en/2014/10/29/ソニーエンジェルの偽造品流通に関しての大事な/
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/I7f-sMyxx-w?t=258
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/I7f-sMyxx-w?t=287
      6. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@breezyxleex3/video/7511782686608985374
      7. ↑ https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/counterfeit-products-are-everywhere-here-are-tips-to-avoid-buying-any-of-them-online/
      8. ↑ https://www.sonnyangel.com/en/store/
      9. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2024/10/26/nx-s1-5163453/how-to-avoid-buying-counterfeit-products-red-flags
      1. ↑ https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/online-shopping#pay
      2. ↑ https://sonnyangelusa.com/pages/faq
      3. ↑ https://www.sonnyangel.com/en/refine/

      About This Article

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement