How to spot fake Pokémon cards: 10 signs before accepting a trade

A rare card at an unusually low price may be a bargain, but it may also be counterfeit. One clue alone does not always prove a card is fake: compare several signs with an authentic card from the same era and set.

This is a prevention checklist, not a laboratory test. If the value is high or the clues conflict, pause the trade and ask for a second opinion.

10 signs to check

1. Strange text: spelling mistakes, odd translations, wrong names or impossible stats.
2. Typography: letters with different size, weight or spacing from an authentic copy.
3. Colour: dull saturation, overly bright colours or contrast that does not match.
4. Artwork: blurry, cropped or oddly proportioned art, or artwork from another card.
5. Borders: excessively thick, shifted or implausible cuts.
6. Symbols: energy, weakness, resistance or icons that are off-centre.
7. Texture: a card that should have relief or a special finish may feel completely flat.
8. Card stock: plastic-like shine, stiffness or a noticeably different feel.
9. Back: Poké Ball, colours, border or centering that do not match an official card.
10. Sealed product: inconsistent wrapping, copyright, seals or product name.

The Cardmarket counterfeit guide includes examples of font, colour, texture, symbol and text errors.

Compare without damaging the card

Compare front, back and thickness with an authentic card from the same era. Use white light and a magnifier if available. Do not bend, cut, wet or scratch a card to “test” it: those methods can destroy a real card and are not appropriate for a trade.

What to do when you are unsure

Do not hand over your cards until the question is resolved. Ask for additional photos, consult a specialist store or seek an experienced community opinion. If you already received the card, keep the conversation and agreement images, separate the card from the rest and never offer it as authentic.

Prevention starts with the listing

On TradeMatches, add current photos and set details whenever a card could be difficult to identify. A safe trade is not based on trust alone: it gives both people enough information to review the deal before meeting.