ABOUT SCAMS & ILLEGAL COPIES

Fraudulent Websites:
These websites can appear legitimate and sell reborn dolls at unrealistically low prices or display inconsistent product photos. They often use/steal photos of authentic reborn dolls created by legitimate artists but deliver cheap knock-offs that look awful or you receive nothing at all. These sites typically delay dispatching your order, reducing your window to dispute the payment and they will simply block all contact with you when you complain.

Counterfeit Kits:
Scammers send authentic sculpts to be mass-manufactured, producing counterfeit reborn kits that are of lower quality and not licensed by the original artists or companies. They may also duplicate certificates of authenticity. These actions violate copyrights and intellectual property rights, which is why respected artists and suppliers avoid purchasing these kits.

Review Manipulation:
Fake reviews and testimonials on scam websites and seller profiles create a false sense of legitimacy and trustworthiness.

Phony Sellers on Marketplaces:
Fake profiles on platforms like Facebook, eBay, or Etsy list dolls that don’t exist, collect payments, and vanish. They use images of dolls they do not possess but may repeat the same scam with different customers by providing safety photos to secure payment before blocking them.

Payment Scams:
Scammers insist on payment methods that offer no buyer protection, such as wire transfers or gift cards, and then fail to deliver the product.

It is also important to note that many countries do not validate the account names of bank transfers. They only validate the branch code and account number allowing the scammer to use fake names for that account.

Misleading Product Descriptions and Images:
Some sellers claim the doll or kit has certain features when it doesn't. They may also edit and manipulate the doll's images to hide damage and imperfections from the buyer.

In the reborn industry, it's essential to distinguish between authentic reborns, kits, dolls, replicas, and counterfeits. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Authentic Reborn Kit or Doll:

• A hand-sculpted work by an artist that is produced into a vinyl or silicone kit, distributed by authorised dealers with the original creator's permission. In some cases, these kits are 3D-scanned from real babies, with the scans then transformed into reborn kits.
• Some artists specifically sculpt dolls for mass production, intended for sale through doll retailers rather than as reborn kits (e.g., Ping Lau for Paradise Galleries).

Authentic Reborn Kit:

• A blank, unpainted doll kit designed to be customised by artists into a reborn doll.
• These kits are created by sculptors with the original creator's legal permission.

Authentic Reborn Doll:

• A completed doll that has been hand-painted, assembled, and transformed from an authentic blank kit into a lifelike doll.
• It can also refer to a previously finished doll that has been stripped of paint and repainted, effectively being "re-born."
• These dolls usually have a Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) and are considered authentic reborn dolls.
  

Replica Kit:

• An illegal copy of a original reborn kit. These kits may be painted and assembled into a reborn doll, but they are considered illegal replicas if created without the artist’s authorisation.
  

Replica Doll:

• A mass-produced, factory-painted, illegal copy of an original reborn sculpt, often marketed as a replica or knockoff.
• These dolls may or may not be the same size, material or, may be a combination of multiple illegally copies dolls or parts.
• These dolls are not considered reborns as they are not hand-painted by an artist, but they are still illegal to buy and sell as they do not have the original creators permission.
  

Counterfeit Kits & Dolls:

• A reborn doll or kit that has been illegally copied, reproduced, and marketed as an original without the artist’s permission, sometimes with a counterfeit Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
• This includes both unauthorized copies of finished reborn dolls and blank kits.

Legally, we are unable to list the names of individuals that are known and proven scam sellers or those who sell illegally copied dolls, but within the industry, they are known.

Connect with reborn groups and communities to seek advice and always obtain a second opinion before engaging with a seller. This approach will help you identify sellers to avoid or block.

Additionally, don't deal with artists, individuals or sellers on marketplaces the endorse, purchase, paint and sell counterfeit/replica/knock off reborns, dolls or kits. These activities are illegal and constitute intellectual property theft.

LEARN MORE HERE

There are many legitimate reborn artists and sellers on platforms such as eBay, Etsy, Mercari, and Facebook. Genuine artists typically list only 1-2 dolls at a time, have positive reviews, and provide detailed, well-written listings. These often include clear images showing all aspects of the doll, along with photos of the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) or a part of it, next to the doll. Most reputable artists are based in countries like the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

When shopping for reborn dolls, exercise caution and avoid sellers who:

• List dolls as replicas, copies, or recasts.
• State that a COA is not included, for sculpts that should have one.
• Are located in China or other regions known for producing counterfeit dolls.
• Have large numbers of dolls, kits or reborns listed at once.

By thoroughly reviewing listings and checking seller feedback, you can better protect yourself from purchasing illegal copies or low-quality dolls.

We recommend trusted online marketplaces for buying and selling authentic reborn dolls and related items:

✓ Reborns.com

✓ OnlyReborns.com.

These platforms are dedicated to supporting ethical, legitimate artists and maintaining high standards for their sellers. Both are affiliates of RAA, upholding strict membership policies and actively removing or banning those who violate their guidelines.

We also recommend:

✓ Direct with RAA Members

✓ Direct from other reputable artists online

✓ Bradford Exchange

✓ Paradise Galleries

LEARN MORE HERE

Complete the form below to report a reborn or doll scam, scammer or individual involved in buying/selling illegal copies of dolls, kits or reborns. Once received we will investigate the information provided and add profiles, links and information to this page where it's deem necessary.