Retro game forger discovered after years of sales equating to almost $100k Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Retro game forger discovered after years of sales equating to almost $100k "I advise to presume they are fake." News by Victoria Kennedy News reporter Published on 1 Jun 2022 12 comments A skilled forger has been discovered after years of selling retro games and memorabilia to unsuspecting collectors. The Big Box PC Game Collectors group has ousted Enrico Ricciardi after several members came forward with counterfeit copies of classic games which they had purchased from Ricciardi. The group has now shared a public document (via Kotaku) detailing its investigation and subsequent evidence against Ricciardi. This document states: "If you have received games from [Ricciardi], check them closely and compare with known originals. I advise to presume they are fake, because our investigation has unearthed quite a bit more alleged forgeries than real." Watch on YouTube Some of Digital Foundry's best retro finds. This investigation started after one member, simply known as Kevin, purchased Akalabeth, a first release Temple of Apshai, and a Japanese Mystery House (pictured above) from Ricciardi. However, Kevin felt something was off about his new collection, and confronted Ricciardi about their validity. On doing so, Ricciardi "alluded that the Akalabeth was a fake and should be destroyed." Following this revelation, Kevin got in touch with other members of the group about their purchases from Ricciardi, where it transpired that "each of these members received what appear to be counterfeit goods". Ouch! Some of the tell-tale signs that the various games forged by Ricciardi were indeed fake were things such as hang-tab holes on the packaging appearing to be hand cut, printed materials not appearing to be in-line with print processes from the time of a game's release and one colour prints often appearing to be four colour prints. Oh, yes, and the other giveaway that these games were forgeries: There was no game data on the discs when tested. You can see some examples of Ricciardi's forgeries below. Forged collectable by Enrico Ricciardi (via BBPGC). Forged collectable by Enrico Ricciardi (via BBPGC). Following this investigation, the Big Box PC Game Collectors group have published an "anti-scammers guide" for consumers. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 7 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store