Counterfeit Sneaker Fraud: The Growing Threat and How to Protect Yourself

6th August 2025 EDT FEATURES

Counterfeit Sneaker Fraud: The Growing Threat and How to Protect Yourself

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Counterfeit Sneaker Fraud: The Growing Threat and How to Protect Yourself

The Rising Crisis of Counterfeit Sneakers

As recent news reports have highlighted, the threat of counterfeit sneakers has emerged as a serious social problem that affects consumers directly. According to media coverage, suspects were arrested on charges of fraud and trademark violations for selling fake Nike sneakers to recycling shops, presenting them as authentic products.

The perpetrators deceived shop employees by showing forged delivery receipts and sold each pair for tens of thousands to over 100,000 yen. This case reveals how counterfeit products that are extremely difficult to distinguish from authentic ones are circulating in the market, potentially victimizing many consumers without their knowledge.

The reality that your dream sneaker might actually be a counterfeit is no longer someone else’s problem. Consumers may unknowingly be exposed to counterfeit risks. This article examines the current state of the increasingly serious counterfeit sneaker problem and provides reliable methods for safely obtaining authentic products.

Current State and Risks of Counterfeit Sneakers

Many people might think, “Counterfeits are easy to spot.” Unfortunately, this perception is becoming outdated. The counterfeit products that SNKRDUNK’s authentication team encounters daily continue to evolve, faithfully replicating authentic products down to brand logo fonts, stitching patterns, and material textures. Cases requiring careful judgment even from professional authenticators are becoming increasingly common.

Particular attention is needed for peer-to-peer transactions through flea market apps and social media platforms. Have you noticed sneakers listed at below-market prices with attractive descriptions like “limited edition” or “brand new, unused”?

Even when sellers have high ratings or claim items are “authenticated”, there’s no guarantee this information is reliable. As demonstrated in recent news reports, counterfeit products may also circulate through recycling shops and other secondary market retailers.

SNKRDUNK received over 1,000 counterfeit items submitted for transactions between 1 May 2024, and 30 April 2025. This represents only the tip of the iceberg, suggesting that many more counterfeits are circulating in flea market apps and resale markets.

The damage from purchasing counterfeits extends beyond financial loss. The joy of acquisition can quickly turn into psychological shock from being deceived. More concerning is the risk of unknowingly becoming a perpetrator by reselling counterfeit items. SNKRDUNK implements safety measures to prevent customers from inadvertently becoming victims or perpetrators in a market flooded with counterfeit products.

SNKRDUNK’s Commitment to Security

SNKRDUNK has established a top-tier authentication system to eliminate customer concerns, pursuing precision and reliability in every aspect.

Professional Authentication and Inspection of All Products

Every listed product undergoes careful authentication and inspection by experienced professional authenticators. Based on extensive databases and years of experience, items are checked from every angle, considering brand-specific characteristics, specification changes by manufacturing year, and individual variations.

Japan’s Only Technology-Based Authentication

In addition to visual inspection, SNKRDUNK utilizes cutting-edge specialized equipment not found elsewhere in Japan, including X-ray transmission devices, digital microscopes typically used by specialized institutions, and infrared cameras. These tools scientifically detect subtle font differences in inner tags, adhesive reactions not found in authentic products, and internal structural differences invisible to the naked eye.

Exceptional 99.96% Authentication Accuracy

Through these rigorous processes, SNKRDUNK achieves an exceptionally high authentication accuracy of 99.96%*. Any products that fail to meet authentication standards or are determined to be counterfeit are canceled by SNKRDUNK management before reaching purchasers.

*Calculated based on errors in authentication and quality inspection from transactions between 1 November 2023 and 31 October 2024.

SNKRDUNK’s Transaction Process and Safety

SNKRDUNK employs a process where items flow from seller → SNKRDUNK management (authentication and inspection) → buyer.

This system eliminates direct communication between sellers and buyers, removing concerns about personal information sharing and completely preventing risks of malicious return fraud, such as “item switching returns” that have become problematic in flea market apps. Products reach purchasers only after passing through SNKRDUNK’s expert authentication and inspection, ensuring security throughout the entire transaction process.

Furthermore, should any problems arise with products that have undergone SNKRDUNK’s authentication and inspection (based on guidelines) or shipping issues occur, comprehensive compensation systems and dedicated customer support teams respond quickly and sincerely. A complete support structure ensures customers never suffer disadvantages.

Conclusion

Counterfeit sneaker schemes are becoming increasingly sophisticated daily, approaching closer to consumers. This makes choosing trustworthy purchasing sources more important than ever before.

SNKRDUNK promises to remain a place where customers can obtain “authentic products, safely, at fair prices” by eliminating all customer concerns. The comprehensive authentication system, combining cutting-edge technology with experienced authenticators’ expertise and, above all, sincere commitment to customers, makes this promise unshakeable. For safe purchases of sneakers, apparel, trading cards, and other items, customers should consider using SNKRDUNK.

What is SNKRDUNK Lab?

At SNKRDUNK Lab, we’re dedicated to combating the social and economic issues caused by counterfeit goods. We’re doing this by improving our authentication technology and raising public awareness about fakes.

By strengthening our partnerships with local and global experts and research institutions, we’re combining technology, data, and human expertise to set the new standard for authentication.

Our Main Activities

Investigating and Researching Counterfeit Goods
SNKRDUNK currently maintains an authentication accuracy rate of 99.97%. We will continue to conduct research and investigations, utilizing Japan’s largest database of counterfeit products to stay ahead of the curve.

Improving Our Authentication Technology
By introducing and researching various tools, including X-ray, infrared, and microscopes, we are enhancing our technology to ensure we can authenticate every single item.

Communicating for Public Awareness
We will regularly publish market reports based on our partnerships with external organizations and experts, as well as on insights and research findings gathered from the field.

Read more about SNKRDUNK Lab here.

For the latest releases, breaking news, and exclusive interviews, stay tuned to the SNKRDUNK Magazine and @snkrdunk on Instagram. Explore the SNKRDUNK App and use the welcome code from the banner below before making your first purchase. Additionally, if you want to try a pair out, visit our stores in Singapore and Japan!

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