Common Scams & How to Avoid Them
Last updated
Last updated
Let’s face it; where there’s money, there are scams. And with the Pokémon card market hotter than ever, scammers are more than ready to take advantage of collectors, especially those new to the game. Whether you're just starting out or you've been collecting for years, it’s always smart to stay on your toes. From fake cards to shady sellers, there’s a lot to watch out for. The good news? If you know what to look for, avoiding these scams is totally doable. Let’s break down the most common scams and how you can avoid getting ripped off.
Probably the most well-known scam out there, fake Pokémon cards have been circulating for years. They range from poorly printed copies that are easy to spot to almost-perfect counterfeits that can trick even seasoned collectors. Here’s how you can tell the real from the fake:
What to Look Out For
Card Thickness and Texture: Pokémon cards are printed on specific stock with a certain thickness. If a card feels too flimsy or too thick, that’s a red flag. Authentic cards also have a specific texture to them, so if something feels off, it probably is.
Printing Quality: Real Pokémon cards have crisp, clean lines, especially around the borders and artwork. If the colors are dull or if you notice any blurry edges, you might have a fake on your hands.
Holographic Effects: One of the hardest things for counterfeiters to get right is the holographic pattern. Authentic holo cards have a distinct shine, whereas fake ones may look dull or inconsistent. Flat, untextured foiling when the card should have textured holo is another telltale sign.
Spelling and Grammar Errors: Spelling or grammatical mistakes on a card are major indicators of a fake. Additionally, any instance where “Pokémon” is written without the accent over the “é,” or if the card refers to "Pocket Monster" instead of "Pokémon," should raise suspicion.
Unrealistic HP and Attack Values: If a card has HP or attack values of 1000 or more, it's likely a fake. As of 2024, no legitimate Pokémon card has an HP higher than 340.
Card Back Comparison
Comparing the back of the card in question to a known authentic card is a reliable method. Real cards have distinct features on the back:
Color Bleeding: Check for color bleeding between the blue border and the rest of the card’s design. Authentic cards have well-separated, distinct colors.
Washed Out Colors: The card back should have vibrant, consistent colors. Faded or washed-out colors are red flags.
Design and Symbols
Font, text, and Symbols: Authentic cards have consistent fonts, sizes, and accurate energy symbols. Fakes often get these wrong, with fonts that look slightly off, incorrect symbol sizes, or misplaced icons.
Set Symbols and Numbers: The set symbol or card number should be correct. Errors here can be a good indicator that the card is not legitimate.
Foil and Non-Foil: If a card is foil when it shouldn't be, or vice versa, it's likely a counterfeit.
Cardstock and Edges
Cardstock Quality: Authentic cards use high-quality cardstock. If the card is too thin or flimsy, that’s a bad sign. Excessive weight difference can also indicate a fake.
Edge Quality: Real Pokémon cards have clean, well-cut edges without cardboard residue. Messy or jagged edges are typical of counterfeits.
Compare with Known Authentic Cards: If you’re not sure, compare the card in question with one you know is real. Pay close attention to the small details likd font, color saturation, and the holographic effect.
Here’s a sneaky scam: buying a booster pack that’s already been opened, had its valuable cards removed, and then resealed to look like new. These packs are often sold online by dishonest sellers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers.
What to Look Out For
Loose or Wrinkled Wrapping: Authentic booster packs are tightly sealed. If you notice the packaging looks loose or has small wrinkles or gaps, that’s a bad sign.
Suspicious Pull Rates: If you’re opening multiple packs and pulling only low-value cards every time, it could be a sign that the packs have been tampered with. Contrastingly, if you open a pack with a suspicious amount of rare cards (or disoriented/out of order cards) you may have purchased fakes.
How to Avoid Getting Scammed
Inspect the Seal: Before buying, inspect the seal closely. Resealed packs often have slight imperfections where the package has been reopened and re-sealed.
Buy From Trusted Sources: Again, stick to reputable sellers, both online and in person. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. We're obviously biased, but we think Phygitals is the safest way to get authentic cards for the best price. Whatever platform you decide to use, make sure they have strong policies that protect you from fraud.
A graded card should offer peace of mind, but scammers have found ways to fake even grading labels from companies like PSA or Beckett. Fake labels mean the card inside might not be what it seems, or worse, it might not be graded at all.
What to Look Out For
Check the Grading Slab: Look for subtle differences in the plastic slab itself. Authentic graded cards from PSA or Beckett have high-quality, tamper-evident cases that are difficult to replicate.
Check the Serial Number: Graded cards come with unique serial numbers, which you can look up on the grading company’s website to verify the card’s authenticity. If the number doesn’t match up, you’re looking at a scam.
How to Avoid Getting Scammed
Always Verify Serial Numbers: If you’re buying a graded card, take the extra step to verify its serial number with the grading company’s online database.
Beware of Grading "Deals": If someone is offering a too-good-to-be-true deal on a card, it’s worth investigating a bit deeper. Graded cards with high scores fetch a premium, and scammers know that buyers might not scrutinize the slab if they’re excited about the low price.
The internet has made buying and selling Pokémon cards easier than ever, but it’s also opened the door to scammers creating fake websites or selling through shady marketplaces. These scammers will often list rare cards at tempting prices but deliver nothing, or worse, send you fakes.
What to Look Out For
Card Prices Far Below FMV: If a site is offering a Espeon Gold Star at half its normal price, it’s probably a scam. Scammers know how to lure in buyers by pricing rare cards just low enough to be believable.
Lack of Contact Info: Scammers don’t want you to be able to contact them, so if a website doesn’t have a clear way of contacting the company, that’s a red flag.
How to Avoid Getting Scammed
Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid paying with methods that don’t offer buyer protection, like wire transfers or certain peer-to-peer apps. PayPal and credit cards offer better protection in case of fraud.
Now that you know how to protect yourself from scams, let’s move on to the fun part, exploring some of the most valuable Pokémon cards out there. From rare promo cards to legendary first editions, these high-value cards are every collector's dream. Get ready to dive into the details of the most sought-after cards in the Pokémon TCG world.
