Music lovers have been urged to be on the lookout for fake records, amid a surge in counterfeits being sold in the UK.
These dupes often look exactly like the real–deal, with the same album cover and label design.
Fake versions of popular albums have been discovered on marketplaces – sometimes priced as high as £1,000.
Now, the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) has revealed that it has seized more than 6,000 records in Luton.
‘Counterfeit vinyl harms legitimate businesses and causes real losses for artists and the wider music industry,’ said Jamie Kirk, Detective Sergeant at PIPCU.
‘In this case, the estimated retail loss is £259,920.
‘This operation sends a clear message that the sale of counterfeit goods will not be tolerated and highlights the impact that strong partnership working can have in tackling intellectual property crime.’
So, would you know how to spot a fake?
Music lovers have been urged to be on the lookout for fake records, amid a surge in counterfeits being sold in the UK
The operation in Luton took place on 22 April, and saw officers seize 6,498 records.
Photos released by the PIPCU show fake versions of Queen, The Beatles, Sex Pistols, AC/DC, David Bowie, Metallica and Fleetwood Mac records, stacked in boxes.
‘The vinyl revival means that there are sadly criminals trying to take advantage and cash in through counterfeiting,’ said Peter Ratcliffe, Director of Content Protection at the BPI.
‘Like all illegal markets, this doesn’t just damage our UK music industry, it potentially impacts every one of us as citizens, as these ill–gotten gains often fund other forms of criminal activity.’
Recent data shows that vinyls are fast becoming one of the most popular forms of music in the UK.
With this increasing demand, some collectors are willing to pay a premium for special editions releases – a fact that criminals are all too aware of.
‘Vinyl’s 17–year return to prominence has sadly inspired counterfeiters and fraudsters to attempt to cash in on music fan’s rediscovery of the format,’ said Kim Bayley, CEO of the Entertainment Retailers Association.
While many fakes now look near–identical to real records, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has revealed eight key signs that indicate a vinyl might not be authentic.
The operation in Luton took place on 22 April, and saw officers seize 6,498 records. Photos released by the PIPCU show fake versions of Queen, The Beatles, Sex Pistols, AC/DC, David Bowie, Metallica and Fleetwood Mac records, stacked in boxes
Firstly, pay attention to the packaging.
‘If the record is new but not shrink–wrapped, be wary,’ the IPO advised.
Next, carefully examine the cover and label.
‘Look for a bar code and catalogue number. If they’re missing, that’s a red flag,’ the IPO said.
‘Check the quality of the artwork on the cover and label. If it’s blurry or poorly printed, it’s suspicious.’
If you’re buying from an unknown seller, the IPO advises using the DISCOGS database to check the catalogue number.
It explained: ‘If it says “unofficial”, the record is likely fake.’
The ‘run–out area’ – the space between the last track and the centre label – shouldn’t have the artist’s name or album title.
Meanwhile, fakes often have poor quality control.
‘Watch out for “pitted” vinyl, missing inner sleeves, or shrink–wrapped outer sleeves,’ the IPO said.
If you’re buying from a private seller, it’s also sensible to ask about the record’s history.
‘Check their online feedback and see if they use their own photos. If they’re selling many copies at a very low price, they might be dealing in fakes,’ the IPO said.
Finally, be wary if the seller is offering multiple copies of rare records that have been out of print for a long time.
If you do suspect someone is selling fake records, you can report your concers to the BPI or contact your local Trading Standards Office.
