Don't get caught out…
Advancements in printing techniques and AI mean that counterfeiters have never had better tools for reproducing cards. This means more of us than ever are getting caught out buying cards, only to realise they're fake when it's too late. Now is the time to learn what makes a forged card stand out from the genuine article with our comprehensive list of fake card features:
Wrong typeface
Fakes that have reconstructed artwork will often feature a variation of or altogether different typeface to the originals.
Wrong colouring
TCG manufacturers use high-quality ink and printing processes. Over-saturated, faded or miscoloured artwork is an easy tell.
HP or damage too high (Pokémon)
Forgers will sometimes bump up the HP or damage numbers or cards to make them more appealing to youngsters.
Wrong or missing texture
Accurately copying texture from cards is difficult and expensive for counterfeiters, so look out for incorrect or altogether missing textures.
Missing accent in "Pokémon" (Pokémon)
A missing accent over the "e" in "Pokémon", which you’ll find in various places on cards, is a tell-tale sign of a counterfeit card.
Blurry text or artwork
Commonly found on scanned cards – rather than those with reconstructed artwork – blurry text and imagery is a fake card giveaway.
Missing middle layer (Pokémon)
Genuine Pokémon cards have a thin dark layer of card sandwiched between two white layers. This is normally missing on fakes.
Wrong back (Pokémon)
The quickest way to spot a fake Pokémon card, the back will almost always get the Pokéball colouring or surrounding blue swirling effect wrong.
Hand gesture symbols (Pokémon)
If you find a rock/paper/scissors hand gesture in a circle on your card, it’s likely a proxy card created for a sub-game for children.