How do you know if a Pokémon card is fake?

Hoe weet je of een Pokémon kaart nep is?

How do you know if a Pokémon card is fake?

Pokémon cards are more popular than ever, and unfortunately that also means that fakes are becoming more common. Whether you're a collector or a player, it's important to know how to distinguish a fake card from a real one. In this blog, you'll learn exactly what to look for to avoid being scammed!

Real Cards

1. Check the quality of the map!

Real Pokémon cards are printed on high-quality cardstock with a specific finish. Fake cards often feel thinner, smoother, or too thick. The edges may also be shoddily cut.

✅ Tip: Take an official card and compare its weight and texture with the card you're unsure about. Does it feel different? Then it might be a fake!

2. Check the back of the card!

The back of a Pokémon card has a unique color scheme. Many fake cards have:
❌ Incorrect blue color / 1 solid blue color
❌ A blurry or grainy logo
❌ Poor alignment of the Poké Ball symbol

✅ Tip: Compare the back with a card you know for sure is genuine. If the color or print differs, there's a good chance you have a fake.

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3. The 'light test': does light shine through?

Real Pokémon cards have a special layer between the cardboard layers, making them opaque. You can test this by holding the card up to a bright light.

✅ Real card: Light barely shines through the card.
❌ Fake card: Light shines through easily, because the layer is missing or thinner.

4. Check the print and the font!

Fake cards often have vague or incorrect text. Pay special attention to:

Typos in the name or description
An incorrect font
Text that is printed too bold or too thin

✅ Tip: Look up the official version of the card online and compare the details.

5. Test the tear line of the card/ check the side of the card

On the side of the card, you should see a layer in the middle. A Pokémon card consists of 3 layers.

If you really want to test if a card is fake (for example, with a questionable purchase), you can tear the card. Real Pokémon cards have a thin black layer between the cardboard layers. Fake cards lack this layer.

✅ Tip: Only try this with a card you are willing to sacrifice!

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