How to Spot Fake Pokémon Cards
Fakes exist, especially among expensive cards and bargains from unclear sources. With these signs you can check a card in a few minutes.
In short
No single sign proves a fake, but several oddities together are a clear warning. The best approach is to compare the card with one you know is genuine, or with a high-quality original photo from a trustworthy listing.
The eight most important signs
- Back: On originals the colours are rich and graduated. Fakes often look too light, too dark or have a different shade of blue.
- Font: Typeface, spacing and special characters such as the accented é in “Pokémon” are often wrong on fakes. Spelling mistakes are a hint, too.
- Print quality: Blurry edges, pixel patterns or fuzzy text speak against an original.
- Shine: Holo effects on fakes often look flat, uneven or as if stuck on.
- Feel: Paper thickness and stiffness feel even on originals. Very thin or very bendy cards are suspicious.
- Light test: Hold the card in front of a bright lamp. Originals let much less light through, fakes are often more translucent.
- Card number and set symbol: Check whether number, symbol and rarity match and whether the card exists in that set at all.
- Price: A very rare card at a bargain price is a classic warning sign.
Comparing is the safest way
Place the card next to a genuine card from the same set, or at least the same generation. Look at the colour of the back, the sharpness of the text and the border. Differences you would easily overlook on their own stand out immediately side by side.
What helps when buying
For expensive cards, several sharp original photos of front and back matter, not just a stock image. Ask questions if anything is unclear before you buy. And buy from sellers who scan and describe their cards themselves.
How we handle it at Miss Rare
We show every card in our own original scan. Cards we have doubts about are not listed; we check them against an original instead.
Cards with original scans
With us you see every card in a scan. Browse current listings.
Frequently asked questions
How do I recognise a fake Pokémon card?
Look at the back, font, print quality, shine, paper thickness and price. Several oddities together are a strong warning. Comparing with a genuine card from the same set is the safest way.
What is the light test?
You hold the card in front of a bright lamp. Originals let much less light through than many fakes. The test is a hint, not proof.
Are there fakes among cheap cards, too?
Expensive and highly sought-after cards are affected most. Still, a quick look at font and back is worthwhile for cheaper cards as well.
What should I do if I bought a fake?
Contact the seller and use eBay buyer protection. Keep photos and messages.
Genuine cards with original scans
At Miss Rare you see exactly the card that arrives at your door.