Introduction
If you’re an avid Pokemon card collector or player, you know that fake cards are a common problem in the industry. With so many counterfeit versions circulating, it’s becoming increasingly important to be able to identify a genuine Pokemon card from a fake one. Fortunately, there are several ways to tell if a card is authentic or not. In this article, we’ll cover five ways to identify fake Pokemon cards, providing you with the tools you need to protect yourself from purchasing fake cards.
Step-by-Step Guide
The first step in identifying a fake Pokemon card is to examine it closely. This involves looking at several aspects of the card to determine whether it is genuine or not. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Cardstock Texture
Genuine Pokemon cards have a unique texture to their cardstock that can be felt by rubbing a thumb across the card. If the card feels rough or smooth instead of slightly textured, it may be a fake.
Printing Quality
Printing quality is another factor to consider when examining a Pokemon card. Real Pokemon cards have sharp, clear lines and colors. If the image on the card appears blurry or faded, it’s likely a counterfeit.
Below are examples of a genuine Pokemon card, followed by a fake one:
Genuine Pokemon Card
Fake Pokemon Card
Common Counterfeit Types
Counterfeiters have various tricks up their sleeves, but there are a few common types of fake Pokemon cards that you should be aware of:
Low-Quality Fakes
These are usually the easiest to spot. They have noticeable quality issues, including poorly printed text, smudged images, and inaccurate card stats.
Misprinted Cards
Some misprinted cards can be mistaken for legitimate versions. These cards will have printing errors or defects, such as slightly off-center text or an incomplete illustration.
Hybrid Fakes
Hybrid fakes are a combination of a genuine card and a fake. This means that the front of the card is genuine, but the back may be fake. Always check both the front and the back of the card for authenticity.
Below are examples of a genuine Pokemon card, followed by a fake one:
Genuine Pokemon Card
Fake Pokemon Card
Test the Card’s Weight
An authentic Pokemon card should have a specific weight, which can be used as a way to identify a fake. To test the weight of a suspected fake card, compare it to a real one. If the weight is different, it’s likely a fake. You can also use personal instincts to test the weight of a card by comparing it to others in your collection. If it feels off, it may be a fake.
Use a Black Light
Another way to identify fake Pokemon cards is to use a black light. Genuine Pokemon cards have specific printing characteristics that are visible under UV light. Common mistakes in counterfeit cards include incorrect ink colors or non-existent security details. Here’s how to conduct the black light test:
What You’ll Need:
- A small, portable black light
- A dark room
- The Pokemon card you want to examine
Instructions:
- Go to a dark room where you can see the card without external light.
- Turn on the black light and hold it over the card.
- Check for fluorescence, which is a good sign that the card is genuine.
- Compare your card with the pictures of genuine and fake cards below.
Below are examples of a genuine Pokemon card, followed by a fake one:
Genuine Pokemon Card
Fake Pokemon Card
Buy from Reputable Sources
One of the easiest ways to avoid buying a fake Pokemon card is to purchase from legitimate sources. Always buy from reputable retailers or online marketplaces with a good track record for selling genuine products. Here are a few tips for verifying authenticity:
Verify Sources:
Do your research on sellers before making a purchase. Look for customer feedback and verify the seller’s legitimacy through official channels if possible.
Buy from Official Retailers:
Official retailers are always the safest bet when shopping for legit Pokemon cards. Be sure to check out where the nearest official retailer is to you!
Conclusion
Fake Pokemon cards are unfortunately becoming more common, but in this article, we gave you five ways to identify them. By using this guide, you can ensure that your collection and sellings are filled with genuine Pokemon cards and avoid being scammed.