Experts share tips to spot counterfeit vinyl records ahead of Black Friday

As Black Friday approaches, buyers are warned about counterfeit vinyl records. Recent incidents, including a seller in Hampshire offering thousands of fake records on eBay, highlight the need for caution when shopping for vinyl. To avoid fakes, experts suggest checking packaging details, such as the quality of ink and shrink-wrapping. Genuine records often have textured ring wear, while barcodes may show signs of pixellation. Additionally, examining the matrix number and engineer's stamp can help confirm authenticity. Buyers should be wary of prices significantly lower than retail and prefer purchasing from reputable sources like record fairs. If a counterfeit is suspected, contacting authorities or the seller is recommended.