How to tell if a Pokemon card is fake: a complete guide to detecting counterfeits and buying with confidence

January 05, 2026
TCG Shops

Quick guide for collectors and players

Buying Pokémon cards is part of the fun, but it can also raise a common question: how to tell if a Pokémon card is fake. Whether you're building your deck, completing a set, or investing in rare cards, learning to spot counterfeits helps protect your collection and your wallet. In this guide, you'll find clear signs and practical tips for checking a card before buying or trading it. And if you're looking for reliable products for your collection, tcgshops.com offers Pokémon TCG options and more, plus newsletter updates.

Why fake letters exist and how they affect you

Counterfeit cards appear because some expansions, artwork, and rarities are in high demand. Sometimes, copies attempt to imitate premium cards like V, VMAX, EX, special artwork, or high-rarity versions. The problem is that a counterfeit card may not be legal in tournaments, completely lose its resale value, and, in the worst-case scenario, ruin trades with other collectors. Knowing how to identify them allows you to buy more safely and maintain your authentic collection.

How to tell if a Pokemon card is fake: key signs

Below are the most reliable points to check. Ideally, use several at once, because a counterfeit item might pass one test but fail another.

1) Print quality and colors

Observe the overall color and sharpness. Many counterfeits have tones that are too dark or oversaturated, and fine details appear blurry. Check especially for:

The outline of the texts: in real letters it is usually sharp and uniform.
Gradients and backgrounds: in fake cards you may see "washed out" or pixelated effects.
Blacks and grays: sometimes they look greenish or have a strange shine.

2) Typography and text alignment

Comparing it to an authentic card from the same set helps a lot. Typical signs:

Slightly different or thicker lettering.
Irregular spacing between words or numbers.
Odd alignment in the Pokémon name, HP, or attack text.

Also check the collection number, the expansion symbol, and the copyright line: on fake cards, these details often give them away.

3) The reverse side: border, colors and centering

The reverse side is one of the easiest places to spot counterfeits. Look:

The blue of the background: if it's too purple or too light, be suspicious.
The yellow border: in originals it is usually consistent; in fakes it can be very bright or have a different tone.
Centering: Many copies have odd centering, although imperfect centering can also occur in real cards. Therefore, it's advisable to consider this point in conjunction with others.

4) Texture and foil in holographic cards

Modern playing cards with special artwork or premium finishes often have specific foil patterns and, in some cases, textures visible when the card is tilted in the light. Warning signs:

A "flat rainbow" type of shine that covers the entire card without a clear pattern.
Holo that invades areas where it shouldn't (for example, over text or borders incorrectly).
Total absence of texture where it should exist (or exaggerated and poorly defined texture).

5) Thickness and rigidity: the feeling to the touch

An authentic card usually has consistent stiffness. Fake cards sometimes feel too flexible or too stiff, and may have an odd, plastic-like finish. If you compare them side-by-side with a real card in the same language, you'll notice differences.

6) The light test (carefully)

Without damaging the card, you can hold it up to a bright light and compare the amount of light that passes through it to a genuine card. Real cards usually have a characteristic opacity. Many forgeries let in too much light or, conversely, are unusually opaque. This test works best when you compare it to a real card of the same type.

7) Edges, corners and cutting

Check the corners: on genuine cards, the cut is usually clean and consistent. Counterfeits may have rough edges, oddly shaped corners, or an uneven finish. Also, look to see if the edge appears strangely "printed," as if the color has run.

Tips for buying and trading more safely

Compare to an authentic card: same expansion, same language, preferably same rarity.
Request clear photos: front, back, and close-ups of text, set symbol, and number.
Be wary of prices that are too low: if it seems too good to be true, it's usually a red flag.
Check the consistency of the batch: if several "rare" cards look identical in brightness or color, be suspicious.
Store your cards in sleeves: besides protecting them, it helps you preserve them for future review and value.

Find products for your collection at tcgshops.com

If you enjoy collecting or playing games, having a reliable place to get products is key. At tcgshops.com, you'll find TCG items like Pokémon, as well as options for other games such as Riftbound, One Piece, and Magic: The Gathering. If a product is about to arrive or sells out quickly, we recommend checking the site frequently or subscribing to the newsletter to be notified when it's available for purchase.

Conclusion

Learning how to spot a fake Pokémon card is an essential skill for any player or collector. By checking the printing, back, texture, alignment, and feel, you can greatly reduce the risk of falling for counterfeits. And when you want to keep expanding your collection with peace of mind, visit tcgshops.com and subscribe to the newsletter to stay up-to-date on upcoming restocks and new arrivals.