How to Spot Fake Pokémon Cards

The 7 red flags

1. 01Symbols and iconsEnergy, set, and rarity symbols should match the set exactly. Added game icons such as rock-paper-scissors hands are a strong sign of a bootleg.
2. 02Fonts and spellingLook at the accent in 'Pokémon', HP numbers, and attack text. Wrong weight, spacing, or typos are common.
3. 03Copyright lineThe bottom line should list the correct years and companies for that set.
4. 04Foil patternGenuine holos use set-specific patterns. A generic starburst or overly glossy sheen is suspicious.
5. 05Print qualityBlurry text, washed-out art, or visible dot patterns indicate low-quality printing.
6. 06Back colour and bordersThe back's blue should be deep and even; borders should be consistent in colour.
7. 07Card stockReal cards have a thin dark core layer visible on the edge and feel stiff. Fakes often feel thin or overly glossy.

Where fakes most often come from

• Unusually cheap bulk lots and 'mystery' bundles from online marketplaces.
• Flea markets, arcades, and secondhand binders.
• Listings using stock photos instead of photos of the actual card.

What to do with a suspected fake

• Compare it side by side with a verified genuine card from the same set.
• Do not submit it for grading — you will pay fees for a rejection.
• Never resell it as authentic. If you bought it as genuine, request a refund from the seller or marketplace.