Urgent Alert: Fake Vinyl Records Stolen by Criminals for Thousands

Fake Records on the Rise in the UK

Music lovers across the UK have been warned to be cautious of counterfeit records, as there has been a significant increase in the sale of fake vinyls. These imitations are often indistinguishable from the real ones, with identical album covers and label designs. Some of these fakes have even been priced as high as £1,000, making it difficult for buyers to tell the difference.

The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) has recently taken action by seizing over 6,000 records in Luton. The operation, which took place on 22 April, resulted in the seizure of 6,498 records. Photos released by PIPCU show stacks of fake versions of popular albums, including those by Queen, The Beatles, Sex Pistols, AC/DC, David Bowie, Metallica, and Fleetwood Mac.

‘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.’

Signs That a Record Might Be Fake

With the resurgence of vinyl, criminals have found new ways to exploit the market. Peter Ratcliffe, Director of Content Protection at the BPI, explained, ‘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 becoming one of the most popular forms of music in the UK. As demand increases, some collectors are willing to pay a premium for special edition releases, which makes them targets for fraudsters.

Kim Bayley, CEO of the Entertainment Retailers Association, added, ‘Vinyl’s 17-year return to prominence has sadly inspired counterfeiters and fraudsters to attempt to cash in on music fans’ rediscovery of the format.’

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has identified eight key signs that may indicate a vinyl is not authentic:

New but not shrink-wrapped
Missing bar code or catalogue number
Blurry or poorly printed artwork
Listed as ‘unofficial’ on DISCOGS database
Artist’s name or album title on ‘run-out area’
Pitted vinyl, missing inner sleeve, or shrink-wrapped outer sleeve
Many copies being sold at a very low price
Multiple copies of rare records

How to Spot a Fake

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.