American Girl dolls are collectibles. While newer versions are easy to find, older ones tend to be treasures lurking in the depths of basements just waiting to be found. Although these dolls teach young girls to become young ladies, there are now indications that this famed collection is being bought and sold, and stolen through ads on Craigslist and other organizations.

The Fakes Are Looming

One of the most worrisome situations for American Doll collectors is the fact that some people will sell fake versions of the dolls and command high prices for them. Just like your favorite designer label handbags, there is a growing industry for fake American Dolls. One such website that seems to be drawing a lot of attention for their implication in the process is Craigslist. Though the organization itself is not responsible for the ads of its listers, it is clear that some people are unhappy about what is happening.

The scam happens like this. Knowing that people are looking for these dolls to give as collector's items to family members or loved ones during the holidays, some scammers have set up websites and local distribution centers for these dolls. When the individual arrives or receives his or her order, they notice that there are markings on the dolls that seem to be just a bit off. In short, you do not know is a fake until you have handed over your money.

If you are buying American Dolls for the holidays, what steps are you taking to find that hard to find doll? Are you finding fakes to be out there?