How to Spot Fake Pokemon Cards

Fake Pokémon cards are everywhere, from cheap "mystery packs" online to binders at swap meets. Some are obvious, some are surprisingly good. Here are the checks we use, starting with the easiest.

1. Compare it to a card you know is real

This is the single best test. Hold the card next to a real card from the same era and look at everything side by side: colors, text, the border, the back. Most fakes fall apart right away when you have a real card to compare.

2. Check the back

The back of a real card has a specific blue with darker swirls, and the Pokéball and logo are crisp. Fakes are often too light, too purple, or a little blurry. This is one of the fastest ways to spot a fake in a stack.

3. Look at the text and symbols

• Font: the HP, attack names and damage numbers should match real cards. Wrong or bubbly fonts are a giveaway.
• Spelling: misspelled Pokémon names or attacks, and missing accents on "Pokémon," show up a lot on fakes.
• Energy symbols: check their size, color and position against a real card.
• HP and damage: crazy numbers like 1000 HP mean it's fake.

4. Feel and finish

Real cards have a specific stiffness and a slightly textured finish. Fakes are often too glossy, too thin or too flimsy. Holo cards on fakes tend to have a flat, rainbow-everywhere shine instead of the pattern you see on the real version.

5. The light test

Shine a phone flashlight through the card. Real cards are made with a dark layer in the middle, so they let through very little light. Many fakes glow right through. It's not perfect on its own, but it's a good extra check.

6. Watch out for resealed packs

Fake cards are one problem, resealed packs are another. Someone opens a pack, takes the good cards, and reseals it. Warning signs:

• Crimps at the top or bottom that look uneven, melted or wider than usual
• Wrinkled or loose wrapping
• Booster boxes with missing or wrong shrink wrap
• "Sealed" packs being sold way below market

7. Price and seller

If a "1st edition Charizard" or a hot new set is suspiciously cheap, it's almost certainly fake. Buy from sellers with a real track record, and be extra careful with listings that only use stock photos.

Buy with confidence

Everything we sell is sourced through official channels and backed by our authenticity guarantee. If you're deciding what to pick up, our guide on booster boxes vs ETBs breaks it down. Browse sealed product in our Pokémon TCG section.