Counterfeit Zippos

Conartists try to rip people off by selling counterfeit products. This applies for Zippo lighters, like most popular products, because certain people/companies produce unauthentic lighters and try to pass them off as the "real thing". If you are looking to purchase a Zippo lighter, you will want to avoid these counterfeits sometimes known as "rippos". Counterfeiting is an illegal practice which makes Zippos that are not genuine in violation of trademark laws in the United States and most countries.

A common occurrence of fake Zippo lighters are ones from the Vietnam era. Please be aware that many people from Vietnam make a living through involvement in illegal practices. Originally, every soldier in the U.S. Military was equipped with a Zippo Lighter, and when the troops withdrew, many Zippo lighters were left behind. Over the years, these lighters have been found and have become popular items for collectors- often being seen for sale on EBay.

Counterfeit lighters from this era (about 1963-1972) can sometimes be very difficult to spot. Counterfeiters, trying to earn a quick dollar, will age the lighter by burning or burying it. They will produce fake engravings to make the lighter appear as if it was once in possession of a soldier. Always check the bottom for the authentic Bradford Zippo stamp. Ask the seller as many questions as you can to confirm the authenticity.

Companies such as the Star Lighter Company of China have been accused of producing fake Zippos. The Star Lighter Company had recently been caught red-handed with 750,000 counterfeit Zippos.

When purchasing a Zippo lighter, check the bottom of it for the authentic Zippo stamp. Fake Zippos will have an engraving instead of the official stamp. Check the fine details when purchasing a Zippo lighter to ensure yourself that you are not buying a counterfeit item.