How to spot fake cards

Why it matters

Fakes keep getting better, especially for valuable cards and opened packs. No single sign is conclusive: compare several and, if you doubt, do not close the deal.

Compare it with a genuine one

The most reliable way is to hold a card you know is genuine, from the same era, next to it and compare feel, thickness, colours and gloss. You can also check the official image of the card in the Pokémon TCG card database.

Feel and look

• Thickness and stiffness should be those of a normal card: one that is too soft, shiny or thin is suspicious.
• The back must be the official blue, with no washed-out tones or shades lighter or darker than a genuine card.
• Genuine holo cards have an even gloss pattern; “sticker” finishes or uneven rainbow shine are a warning sign.

The print, under a magnifier

Under a 10x magnifier a genuine card shows a regular pattern of very fine ink dots. In a fake the text and images are often blurry, pixelated or with smudged ink.

Text, symbols and numbers

Look for spelling mistakes, different fonts, deformed energy symbols or missing accents. Check that the card number and total (for example 094/203), the expansion symbol and the © Nintendo, Creatures and GAME FREAK line match the official card.

Price and seller

A price far below the market, a rush to close or a refusal to meet at a trusted spot are the most common scam signs. Check the seller’s reputation and compare with the recommended price of the listing.

If you doubt

Do not pay. Show the card to the trusted spot’s staff, ask to look at it calmly, or cancel the meetup: the trusted spot will report it. If the card is graded, check the certificate number on the company’s website and that the slab has not been tampered with.