How to Know if Pokemon Card is Fake

As Pokemon cards grow in popularity, counterfeit cards are becoming more and more common. Some are easy to spot, but others can fool even experienced collectors. Whether you're just getting started or have a full binder, knowing how to recognize a fake Pokemon card is essential to protecting your collection.

Here's a simple and visual guide to help you spot the difference between real and fake Pokemon cards and avoid costly mistakes.

Check the Print Quality

Suspicious Print Quality

One of the first red flags for a fake Pokemon card is poor print quality. On an authentic card, colors are sharp, balanced, and true to the original. A card that looks too light or darker than normal can be a sign something's off, especially if the image is blurry or the logo is pixelated.

Pay attention to the font as well. A real Pokemon card uses a specific typeface. If the Pokemon's name or attacks appear in a different font, that's a major warning sign.

Over-the-Top Visual Effects

Some counterfeit Pokemon cards try to win you over with flashy effects. Super shiny surfaces, exaggerated rainbow patterns, and strange reflections are often used to fool new buyers. But real Pokemon cards, even the rare ones, have a clean and controlled finish.

The Light Test: Layers Matter

Genuine cards is made of multiple layers, including a thin black or blue core. To check this, hold the card up to a strong light.

You can also do a tear test (only if you're certain the card is worthless): inside an original card, you'll see a dark layer at the center, which proves it's an authentic card. Most fake Pokemon cards are just a couple of layers of cheap paper.

Back of the Card: A Quick Reality Check

The back of a fake Pokemon card often gives it away. A real Pokemon card has deep, even blue coloring, balanced contrast, and crisp details. If the blue looks washed out or overly flashy, or the color tone seems too light or too dark, you should be suspicious.

Also check the logo's alignment, the sharpness of the Pokéball, and the thickness of the borders. Authentic Pokemon cards always have a clean, professional finish on the back.

Centering and Borders Tell a Story

Uneven Centering

A fake Pokemon card often has inconsistent centering. Margins around the artwork are uneven, sometimes much thicker on one side or even cut off entirely.

Odd-Looking Borders

The border on a real Pokemon card is a soft beige, not too white, not too dark. If it shines oddly, looks plastic-like, or is sloppily cut, it's probably a counterfeit card.

Double-Check the Details: Name, Attacks, and Symbols

Look closely at the Pokemon's name, hit points, attacks, and descriptive text. A fake Pokemon card might have typos, poorly translated attacks, or incorrect symbols.

You should see clear rarity symbols, expansion logos, and the correct resistance and weakness icons. If anything looks off or is missing, chances are it's not a genuine rare Pokemon card.

If It Looks Too Good to Be True...

If you find a super rare card selling for five dollars, be careful. Scammers often create shiny or "full art" cards designed to lure in collectors who aren't familiar with how the real thing should look.

A true rare card, especially in mint condition, holds significant value. Always double-check the difference between a real and fake Pokemon card before buying.

Buy your Cards From a Trusted Store to Avoid Counterfeit Cards

The easiest way to avoid mistakes is to shop from a reputable card store that guarantees the authenticity of its products. At Rémi Card Trader, all Pokemon cards are verified, sorted, and carefully packaged.

If you want to start a collection without falling into the fake card trap, visit us in-store or browse our selection online.

Better to Double-Check Than Get Duped

Learning how to spot a fake Pokemon card isn't that difficult once you know what to look for. Check the print, colors, centering, text, and back, and always compare to a card you know is genuine.

An authentic card is a true collectible, a joy to own, and sometimes even a smart investment. A fake one? It's just a letdown. So keep your eyes open, and when in doubt, ask a pro.