How to Spot Fake Pokémon Cards (with Examples)

The Pokémon International Company raked in a staggering $11.6 billion in 2023, securing its spot at number 5 on the Top Ten list, as reported by License Global. With Pokémon's popularity soaring each year, it's no shock that as we enter 2024, enthusiasts on the hunt for rare and special Pokémon cards are encountering a major problem that needs to be addressed - just how do we spot fake Pokémon cards? These cards may look like the ones everyone desires, but they're not real. As more and more people dive into collecting these cards, the risk of acquiring fakes has become a major concern.

Just last year, Japanese police seized over 1000 counterfeit Pokémon cards. The crazy thing is, this is only one instance where the perpetrator was caught, and there is no way of truly telling how many fake Pokémon cards are out there!

Counterfeit Pokémon cards aren't going away anytime soon, but thankfully, the team at TCG Review has broken down everything you need to know about how to tell if Pokémon cards are fake. In this guide, we will cover everything from spotting fake Pokémon cards to different types of tests you can apply to identify a counterfeit. What's even better for new card collectors, we'll provide some helpful tips we've acquired from our own personal experience on where to buy genuine Pokémon products and how to spot fake resealed Pokémon products. By the end of this article, you will be more confident in knowing the difference between a real and a fake Pokémon card. Let's get started!

How to tell if Pokémon cards are fake

Trust your intuition

The initial line of defense against fake Pokémon cards is your intuition. If something feels off, take a closer look. Trusting your instincts can be a powerful tool in identifying potential counterfeits.

Now, if you have a card in your collection and you're wondering if there's anything more reliable than intuition to verify its authenticity, the answer is absolutely yes. Once your gut feeling tells you something might be wrong, there are a series of tests you can perform to get a better idea of whether your Pokémon card is real or fake.

It is important to understand that although we are going to recommend several tests, counterfeit cards come in all shapes and sizes, and scammers are aware of this. It's an ongoing battle to try and deceive the customer. A real Pokémon card could fail some of the tests due to printing errors, just as a fake Pokémon card might pass a test because scammers are getting smarter by the day.

This is why we have compiled multiple tests that you can use to give yourself the best chance possible at identifying a fake Pokémon card! Don't rely on just one test!

Test #1: Read the card

Examining the details on the card is very important. Legitimate Pokémon cards include high-quality printing, clear text, and vibrant colors.

Things to look out for:

• Printing quality: Inspect the card for high-resolution images and sharp details, common in authentic Pokémon cards. Fake Pokémon cards can feel low quality, have off-centered images, and dull foiling.

• Text clarity: Examine the text closely, ensuring it is clear, well-defined, and lacks smudges or inconsistencies. Some Pokémon cards are known for having text that is the wrong font size and grammatical errors in Pokémon card names. We've even noticed on some fakes the wrong Pokémon card types being displayed on the card.

• Accurate colors: Check for vibrant and accurate colors. Fake Pokémon cards typically have dull, more muted colors, similar to how cards would look if they weren't stored properly.

• Font examination: Pay attention to the card's font; if you have cards from similar sets, do your best to identify any differences between the cards you've bought and the suspected fakes. When in doubt, the official Pokémon trading card database has any card you'd need to make informed comparisons.

• Symbol Accuracy: Verify the precision of symbols, including the Pokémon logo and set symbols, which should be well-defined on genuine cards. Fake card symbols could be in the wrong place, slightly different in sizes, or even the wrong symbol entirely.

Fake Pokémon card example

As you can see, this Misty's Seadra is obviously fake. Simply reading the card allows easy identification, even with minimal Pokémon card knowledge. The scammer misspelled the Pokémon's name as Misty's Seadre, which is incorrect. Counterfeits are not always this easy to spot, so make sure to meticulously inspect your suspected card. It could be as subtle as the Pokémon name being spelled 'Pokemon' instead of 'Pokémon' with the accent over the 'e'.

Test #2: Compare the Card Back

The back of a Pokémon card serves as a telltale sign of its authenticity. Counterfeit cards often exhibit subtle differences in color, texture, or pattern on the card back. Familiarize yourself with genuine card backs to identify irregularities.

Things to look out for:

Texture Examination: Run your fingers over the card back to detect any irregularities in texture, as counterfeit cards may have subtle differences or printing errors.

Pattern Consistency: Analyze the color and pattern on the back of the card, comparing it to authentic Pokémon cards to identify any variations or discrepancies. Ensure the Pokéball and text are centered on the back of the card properly. Fake Pokémon cards sometimes have "Pokémon" written on the back of the card in an odd font; double-check to make sure it's consistent with the image we've displayed of a real and fake Pokémon card.

Fake Pokemon card back example

Test 4 is a bit more challenging because, like Test 2, it requires you to have a physical copy of the card. Fortunately, these are from my personal collection, so I can demonstrate what an older card looks like. On the left, we have my personal Zapdos, which is a genuine Pokémon card. On the right, you have the counterfeit Zapdos, which exhibits numerous differences from the original card. As you inspect the fake Pokémon card on the right, notice the washed-out colors along the borders and throughout the card. Additionally, you can observe that the holographic effect is completely different from that of the original card.

Tests We Don't Recommend

The Light Test

While some collectors use the light test to identify fake holographic cards, this method is not foolproof. Advanced counterfeiters can mimic holographic patterns, rendering the light test unreliable.

The Bend Test

Bending cards can lead to damage, and experienced counterfeiters often produce flexible fake cards. Relying solely on the bend test may result in unnecessary harm to your cards without providing a reliable authenticity check.

The Rip Test

Tearing a card is a drastic measure and should be avoided. Counterfeiters can replicate the feel and appearance of genuine card stock, making the rip test an unreliable method for authentication. Moreover, if you're uncertain whether your card is real or fake, ripping it to find out defeats the purpose because the card will no longer be usable. We suggest using any of the more reliable tests we've previously mentioned or consulting someone who knows how to grade Pokémon cards as a last resort.

Fake Gold Pokémon Cards

Now, a lot of people think gold Pokémon cards are fake, and to a point, you would be correct. Scammers and counterfeiters do produce fake gold Pokémon cards, which you can identify using the tests we talked about before. However, they are a real thing. Gold Pokémon cards are a genuine Pokémon card type as well as a real Pokémon card rarity. People tend to think gold Pokémon cards are fake because it seems crazy to have a golden Pokémon card. So, while you may see fake gold Pokémon cards, those are mostly custom-made by artists.

If you want to know more about golden Pokémon cards, check out our article 'Gold Pokémon Cards - Are They Real & How Much Are They Worth?' It goes over everything you would ever need to know when wanting more information on gold Pokémon cards.

How to Spot Fake Sealed Pokémon Products

Unfortunately, scammers and malicious sellers create fake Pokémon-sealed products. Over the years, big influencers in the Pokémon community, such as PokeRev and Logan Paul, have been notable victims of buying fake Pokémon cards. PokeRev was scammed over $10,000 on a sealed booster box, and Logan Paul lost millions on a case of 1st edition Base Set booster boxes. So, even when you are fully prepared, you are still at risk. By the time you open up a resealed fake Pokémon product, it is probably too late. However, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself.

Buy Smart

When purchasing sealed Pokémon products, opt for reputable sources. Legitimate businesses selling Pokémon cards are more likely to use Authorized retailers and established sellers are less likely to deal in counterfeit goods. However, If you want to ensure your purchase is 100% authentic, you can buy directly from The Pokémon Center Official Site.

Read Before You Buy

Thoroughly examine the packaging for any discrepancies, such as misspellings, inconsistent logos, or poor print quality. Official Pokémon products undergo rigorous quality control, so any deviations should raise suspicion.

Things to look for:

• Packaging Discrepancies: Scrutinize the packaging for misspellings, inconsistent logos, or poor print quality, as these could be red flags for counterfeit Pokémon products. Additionally, analyze the seems of the packaging to ensure it hasn't been tampered with.

• Quality Control Stamps: Look for quality control stamps or holographic seals on the packaging.

• Barcodes and Serial Numbers: Check barcodes and serial numbers on the packaging, and compare with an original pack to verify they align with the expected format for genuine Pokémon products.

• Manufacturer Information: Verify the manufacturer information on the packaging, ensuring it matches known authorized manufacturers of Pokémon products. Counterfeit items may have discrepancies in this information.

Final Thoughts

As the Pokémon International Company grows and market values rise, more people want real Pokémon cards. We hope this guide has given you enough information and techniques, from trusting your gut to doing detailed tests, to make sure you get authentic cards.

Even though fake Pokémon cards are still around and scammers keep getting better, you have the power to tell real cards from fakes if you're well-informed. By using visual checks, comparing cards, and being careful where you buy, we hope you feel confident in dealing with Pokémon cards.

Frequently Asked Questions