Spotting a Fake DVD

What counts as a fake DVD

Some counterfeit DVDs have professionally printed discs, printed covers and standard DVD cases, so they can look convincing. It helps to separate four things: an unauthorised copy of a film, a counterfeit disc or package imitating an official edition, a genuine import, and a genuine disc in replacement packaging. Only the first two are fakes.

No single test proves whether a disc is genuine. Several warning signs together justify further checks, but none is conclusive on its own.

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Warning signs worth checking

• Loose discs: Loose discs and replacement cases give you fewer details to check. Genuine ex-rental DVDs do exist, so missing packaging or an "ex-rental" description is not proof of a fake.
• Recordable discs: A handwritten or sticky-labelled recordable disc is a strong warning sign if it is sold as a standard commercial film release. Some legitimate specialist releases use recordable discs, so check with the distributor. A blue, purple or green tint on the playing side may indicate a recordable disc, but counterfeits can also be factory-pressed.
• Price: A price far below comparable copies of the same edition in the same condition can be a warning sign, particularly for a new release. Genuine second-hand and clearance DVDs often cost only a few pounds.
• Release timing: A DVD offered before any authorised DVD release is a strong warning sign. Check the distributor's release information, as cinema and DVD dates can differ between countries.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Checking the edition details

• Age rating: Most non-exempt films supplied commercially on DVD in the UK need a BBFC classification and age-rating labels. Missing labels on a supposed UK edition warrant further checks, but some video works are exempt.
• Region code: UK DVDs are normally Region 2, though that region covers other countries too, and some genuine releases are all-region. Region coding is mainly a playback check, not proof of authenticity.
• Edition details: Compare the barcode, catalogue number, distributor, running time and listed extras with reliable information for that release. These can be copied, so treat them as supporting checks.
• Picture and extras: Missing special features, poor sound or picture, or signs of recording in a cinema are worth noting. Poor quality alone can occur on genuine editions.

Country of manufacture alone does not tell you whether a DVD is genuine. Assess the seller, edition details and packaging instead.

Buying safely and reporting fakes

Well-known websites often host independent sellers, so check who is actually selling the item, their reviews, the condition and whether it is described as a UK edition or an import. Be wary of anyone offering large numbers of recent titles cheaply.

If you think you have bought a fake, keep the listing, seller details, receipt, messages and photographs, then contact the seller. A trader who sells a counterfeit as genuine has supplied goods that are not as described. Private sellers have different obligations, although accurate description still matters. Marketplaces and payment services may offer buyer protection. For card payments, your bank may offer a chargeback, subject to scheme rules and deadlines. Section 75 covers only qualifying credit card purchases costing more than £100 and no more than £30,000, so it rarely applies to a single DVD.

Reporting a seller will not by itself get your money back. For advice, contact the Citizens Advice consumer service in England and Wales, Advice Direct Scotland in Scotland or Consumerline in Northern Ireland. They pass relevant information to enforcement bodies, although this does not guarantee an investigation. You can also report suspected criminal activity anonymously to Crimestoppers.

Commercial dealing in pirated or counterfeit DVDs can be a criminal offence. Buying one for personal use is not the same offence. The Intellectual Property Office's guidance on counterfeiting and copyright is available on GOV.UK.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Authenticity Red Flag Checker lets you identify warning signs that a product is likely counterfeit based on your observations. Try it now →