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Pokémon cards have been a beloved part of the trading card game (TCG) world for decades, but with their popularity comes a downside—fake Pokémon cards flooding the market. Whether you’re a collector or a player, knowing how to identify counterfeit cards is crucial. At Jamie’s Trading Cards, we want to ensure you only get authentic Pokémon cards, so here’s how you can spot fakes and protect your collection!
1. Check the Card Quality
One of the easiest ways to tell a fake Pokémon card is by examining its quality. Genuine cards are made with high-quality materials, while counterfeits often feel cheap and flimsy. Look out for:
✔ Gloss & Texture: Real cards have a smooth, high-quality finish, while fakes may feel waxy or overly shiny.
✔ Thickness: Authentic cards have a sturdy feel. If the card is too thin or too thick, it may be fake.
✔ Ink & Print Quality: Blurry text, incorrect fonts, or washed-out colours are signs of counterfeits.
2. Compare the Colours
Fake Pokémon cards often have incorrect colouring. Compare them to a genuine card—if the colours look too dark, too bright, or slightly off, it’s likely a fake. Pay close attention to energy symbols, borders, and background patterns.
3. Look for the Pokémon Logo & Font
The official Pokémon logo and text fonts are consistent across all real cards. Fakes may have slight font differences, spacing errors, or an incorrect Pokémon logo. If something looks off, double-check against an authentic card.
4. The Light Test
Hold the card up to a bright light. Real Pokémon cards have a special layered design that prevents too much light from passing through. If light shines through too easily, it’s a sign the card is fake.
5. Examine the Back of the Card
A major giveaway of counterfeit cards is the back design. Real Pokémon cards have a specific shade of blue and a well centred Poke Ball design. Fakes often have:
❌ Off-centred Poke Ball graphics
❌ Incorrect shades of blue
❌ Poor-quality printing with faded details
6. Check the Attack & Energy Symbols
Fake Pokémon cards sometimes have incorrect or outdated symbols for attacks and energy costs. Compare them with a genuine card to see if the icons match the official design.
7. The Price Seems Too Good to Be True
If you see a rare Pokémon card being sold for a price that’s too good to be true, be cautious! Scammers often sell fake Pokémon cards at very low prices to lure buyers.
8. Verify with Official Resources
If you're still unsure about a card, check the official Pokémon TCG card database or compare it with cards from reputable sellers. You can also visit a local Pokémon event where experts can help verify authenticity.
Where to Buy Authentic Pokémon Cards
The best way to avoid fake Pokémon cards is to buy from trusted stores and sellers. At Jamie’s Trading Cards, we guarantee 100% authentic Pokémon cards, so you can shop with confidence. Avoid shady marketplaces and always double-check your cards before adding them to your collection.
Final Thoughts
Fake Pokémon cards may look convincing at first, but with these tips, you’ll be able to help spot counterfeits and protect your collection. Always inspect card quality, compare designs, and buy from reliable sources to ensure you’re getting the real deal. Happy collecting!
🔍 Looking for authentic Pokémon cards? Browse our latest arrivals at Jamies Trading Cards!