🕵️ How to Spot Fake Pokémon Cards
Let’s keep your collection genuine—follow our simple 5-step checklist:
1. 📏 Check the Card's Thickness & Layers
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What to do: Hold the card to the light. Original cards have a solid black (or dark grey) core layer—fakes often look too thin or too thick.
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Why it matters: Authentic cards are triple-layered for that perfect feel—no light leaks through the middle.
2. 🎨 Inspect Color & Print Quality
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What to do: Compare the print against a verified original. Fakes often have dull or overly bright colors, blurry images, or typos.
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Quick fact: Even minor spelling mistakes are a huge red flag!
3. 🔡 Spot Font & Text Alignment Issues
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What to do: Look for wonky fonts or misaligned text. Originals use precise, clean typefaces.
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Fun fact: Pokémon Corporation pays big attention to typography—counterfeits rarely match!
4. 🔄 Examine the Back of the Card
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What to do: Look for uneven borders, flawed logos, or off-color blues.
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Sneaky detail: Authentic backs are consistent in shade, border width, and alignment.
5. 🖐️ Feel the Texture
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What to do: Rub the card lightly between fingertips. Originals have a recognizable semi-rough texture; fakes feel too smooth or plasticky.
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Quick tip: Once you handle a few genuine cards, you’ll notice the difference instantly.
Bonus Tips 🔍
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Use a magnifying glass for clarity.
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Always compare with a card you're 100% sure is real.
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If a deal seems “too good to be true,” it probably is.
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Ask for additional photos—especially of the card’s edges and back.
🧠 Why This Matters
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Protects your collection’s value
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Keeps your trades and deck-building honest
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Ensures you're paying fair prices
🧾 Resources for Verification
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Pokellector.com – Official set lists, scans, and card numbers
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Cardmarket.com – Compare real-time prices and market trends
Citations:
Advice based on the original TCG Company guide and advice based on the blogpost from DeviantArt