There’s no better feeling than pulling your chase card or buying the last card for your master set. But with such high demand and soaring prices, counterfeit cards are a growing problem. If you’re new to collecting, it can be really overwhelming, but don’t stress. There are a few smart checks you can do to keep your collection authentic and safe.
Why Fakes Are Everywhere
The Pokémon Trading Card Game has seen enormous growth, with over 75 billion cards produced as of early 2025. This massive volume, combined with rising nostalgia and collector interest, has created a lucrative market for counterfeiters.
Counterfeit cards are most often aimed at people who are new to the hobby or rushing into a “great deal.” A little knowledge goes a long way in avoiding those traps.
Getting Caught Up in the Excitement
It’s easy to get swept up in the thrill of bidding.
Last year I got carried away with an eBay auction. The lot looked incredible, and I was especially excited to see a Moltres V Alt Art included. I hit “bid” without thinking twice.
When the cards arrived, I realised half of them were in German, not English. They weren’t fake, but it was still disappointing because it wasn’t what I thought I was buying.
It taught me to slow down and really check the details (including the language), before getting caught up in the excitement of a “once in a lifetime” deal.
Quick Checks Anyone Can Do
Here are the most common mistakes counterfeiters make — and what to look for:
Text Details
- Wrong fonts – Official cards use consistent typefaces. Blurry or odd fonts are a warning sign.
The fake Igglybuff on the left displays the incorrect font and real Igglybuff on the right has the standard font. Fake Igglybuff. Credit: Redditor /u/Riezenberg
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Missing accent on “Pokémon” – The é is always there on real cards.
- Wrong card name – Misspelled names or odd capitalisation are giveaways.
This card shows the Pokémon Charizard with the name Caterpie. Credit: TCG Player
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Wrong evolution name or photo – Evolutions that don’t match the Pokémon line (e.g. Charmander evolving into Blastoise).
Set & Numbering
- Wrong set number – Check if the number actually exists in that set.
- Wrong set symbols – Fake sets often invent symbols. If the symbol is off centre, it is a fake.
- Anything saying “Edition 2” – That was never a real release.
- HP amounts over 300 (pre-2019) – Anything older than Sword & Shield era shouldn’t have HP above 300.
The image above shows a fake Arcanine with 13000 HP! Credit: Just In Basil
Below is a quick guide on how to read Pokémon cards.
Visual & Texture Clues
- No texture on Full Arts or Secret Rares – Modern rarities should have raised, textured finishes. Flat = fake.
- Incorrect foiling - Fake Pokémon cards usually have a simple flat untextured holo.
On the left, the fake Ultra Ball has a flat shine that runs vertically. The genuine card’s foil effect is textured and flows with the artwork. Credit: TCG Player
- Incorrect border colour – Borders should match the era (e.g. yellow for English sets prior to March 2023*, silver in Japanese). Wrong tones (gold instead of yellow, silver instead of gold) are a giveaway.
If you don’t have a genuine copy to compare against, or you’re unsure what the real card should look like, check an official source like the Pokémon website or TCGPlayer for reference images.
CGC’s 2025 Counterfeit Discovery
Even experts get fooled sometimes. In January 2025, CGC (a card grading company) discovered that some “vintage prototype” Pokémon cards—allegedly created in the 1990s and authenticated by CGC itself—were actually printed in June 2024. This was revealed through tracking codes embedded in the prints.
Buying Safely
When it comes to buying Pokémon cards, peace of mind is worth just as much as the cards themselves. That’s why we offer a guarantee that every card we sell is legitimate. As an established shop, we’ve built buyer protection directly into our website so you can check out with confidence.
Wherever you buy from, make sure the shop offers buyer protection at checkout, and always read reviews before committing to a purchase.
eBay can be a bit hit and miss, but the good thing is that you’re covered by their buyer protection system if something goes wrong. It’s not foolproof, but it’s far safer than transferring money directly to a stranger.
Facebook groups can also be a fantastic place to buy, especially if you’re looking for specific cards or want to connect with other collectors. The group I use most often is Pokémon Sales Australia.
Within these communities, it’s common to ask for references if you don’t know a seller. For higher-value purchases (over $1,000), we now ask sellers to provide a copy of their driver’s licence if we can’t meet in person. If you’re unsure whether someone actually has the cards, don’t be afraid to ask for a timestamped photo or video. It’s a simple way to prove the cards are really in their possession.
The above photo shows an example of a timestamp with the sellers name and date the photo was taken.
If you’re buying through Marketplace, always choose PayPal’s Goods and Services option. It gives you buyer protection if something goes wrong, unlike “Friends and Family” transfers which leave you with no recourse.
When shopping from online stores, make sure the site looks trustworthy.
Check that they have clear contact information, secure checkout (look for the padlock symbol/SSL), and published terms of service. Any legitimate business should also be willing to answer your questions openly and provide details about their policies if you ask.
If you’d like to see how we handle this, you can check out our security information here.
Keep in Mind
Spotting fake Pokémon cards might seem intimidating at first, but it really doesn’t need to be. Once you know the small details to check, it becomes much easier to feel confident in your collection.
Over time, these checks turn into habits, and you’ll start to recognise the difference between genuine and counterfeit cards almost instantly.
For parents, this means being able to guide your kids with peace of mind, helping them build a collection that’s fun and authentic. For new collectors, it’s about avoiding disappointment and making sure your money goes toward cards that hold real value. And for seasoned players, it’s a way to keep the community strong and trustworthy.
Collecting Pokémon cards should always be about enjoyment. With just a little extra care, you can protect yourself and keep the hobby fun for everyone.
*English sets switched to silver borders starting with the Scarlet & Violet base set in March 2023.