TradeMatches

Check: is this Pokémon card fake?

A fake Pokémon card usually fails at least one of three checks: it does not match the official card for that set and number, it lets too much or too little light through, or its text and font are off. Go through the eleven checks below, compare it with the official image and the tool tells you whether to stop, ask for more or go ahead.

Two cards compared against the light with a loupe — AI-generated illustration.

1. Compare with the official card

SetCard number

2. The eleven checks

Light test: held up to a strong light, it lets through about as much light as a genuine card of the same era Matches Does not match Can’t check

Name and text: no typos; attacks, HP and symbols match the official card Matches Does not match Can’t check

Set symbol and number: they exist in that set Matches Does not match Can’t check

Artwork: it matches that exact version, not just the same Pokémon Matches Does not match Can’t check

Font: size, spacing and alignment match a known copy Matches Does not match Can’t check

Back: sharp details and colours, compared under the same light Matches Does not match Can’t check

The first six are key checks: one clear mismatch is enough to stop.

Language: text and elements match that region’s print Matches Does not match Can’t check

Finish: holo, texture or plain print as that variant should be Matches Does not match Can’t check

Edges and cut: clean, with no layers or odd colour on the edge Matches Does not match Can’t check

Provenance: own photos and a coherent story Matches Does not match Can’t check

Offer: a normal price and no artificial rush Matches Does not match Can’t check

How the result is decided

Stop: any of the first six checks does not match. Light, text, number, artwork, font and back are what counterfeits most often get wrong.
Several doubts: two or more of the other five fail. Each one alone can have an innocent explanation, together they do not.
Missing checks: more than four answers are “can’t check”. Ask for photos or see the card in person first.

The tool never certifies a card as genuine. For an expensive card, use a grading company or a trusted shop.

Sources and checks

Checks taken from our fake-card guide, reviewed on 21 October 2026 against Pokémon Support. Official images from TCGdex.

2. The eleven checks

How the result is decided

Sources and checks

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