Light test
Hold the card to bright light. Genuine cards have a black middle layer and let little light through – fakes often appear translucent.
Spotting fake Pokémon cards
Fake Pokémon cards are widespread – especially with expensive vintage cards and online purchases. In this guide we show you the most important checks: from the light test through the back, print and feel to ultimate certainty via professional grading.
The key tests
How to recognise fakes
Back & colours
Compare hue, sharpness and the blue swirl pattern with a genuine card. Fakes are often too light, too dark or blurry.
Print & text
Watch the font, spelling, energy symbols and the print raster. Blurry edges and errors are clear warning signs.
Feel & weight
Genuine cards feel firmer and have a typical weight. Cards that are too thin or too smooth are suspicious.
Ultimate certainty
How grading removes the last doubt
The tests above give good indications – but with high-value or particularly well-made fakes they reach their limits. In professional grading, every card is checked for authenticity before it receives a grade and is sealed. So you have an independent, documented confirmation – ideal before a purchase or sale.
If you only want to know the authenticity (and possibly the value) but don't need a slab, our authentication & value appraisal is the right solution. If a card turns out to be a fake, we generally take it out of circulation; with proof of purchase you receive a written report.
Buy safely
Where fakes appear – and how to protect yourself
You'll most often encounter fakes on online marketplaces, in auctions without clear provenance and with "too good" offers of expensive cards at suspiciously low prices. Mixed lots and apparent bargains from abroad are a risk too. Watch for meaningful photos of front and back, a plausible condition description and the seller profile with reviews.
The safest protection is graded, sealed cards: their authenticity has already been checked, the serial number with QR code can be verified, and the condition is documented. If you'd like to secure a loose card before buying or selling, use our authentication & value appraisal or have the card graded directly. That way you trade uncertainty for a solid, independent confirmation.
Read more: Is Pokémon grading worth it? · Protection in a slab · All guides
Confirm authenticity beyond doubt
Professional authentication & value appraisal – for all TCGs.