# How to spot a fake Pokémon card

> Checks that help you tell a counterfeit Pokémon card from a real one, and what to do when you’re not sure.

A Holofile guide: https://holofile.app/guides/spot-fake-pokemon-cards (updated 2026-10-16)

Counterfeit Pokémon cards exist, and some are convincing. No single check proves a card is real, but a few together catch most fakes. When a valuable card is involved and you’re not sure, ask an expert or a grading company before you buy.

## Compare it with the real card

The most useful check is a side-by-side comparison with images of the genuine card:

- Find the card in its [set’s card list](https://holofile.app/pokemon/sets) and open its page.
- Check that the **set symbol** and the **collector number** match a card that exists in that set. A number the set doesn’t have, or a name and number that don’t belong together, is a red flag. See [how card numbers work](https://holofile.app/guides/pokemon-card-numbers-and-secret-rares).
- Compare the art, the colors and where every element sits. Fakes often have colors that are too pale, too dark or oversaturated, and art that’s slightly blurry.

## Check the text

- Look for spelling mistakes, odd spacing and fonts that don’t match other cards from the same set.
- Check the attack names, damage and energy symbols against the genuine card.
- The copyright line at the bottom should be there and readable.

## Check the finish and the back

- A holo or reverse holo’s foil should match the genuine printing; fakes often get the pattern or its placement wrong.
- The back’s blue should match the backs of your other cards. A back that looks noticeably different in color or print quality is a warning sign.
- Genuine cards have a particular feel and thickness. Comparing a card with a common card you know is real can help.

## Be wary of the price and the seller

- A rare card offered far below its usual price is a warning sign. Check the card’s market price on its page before you buy.
- Packs and sealed products can be faked or resealed too. Buy sealed product from sellers you trust.

## Graded cards

Slabs can be counterfeited as well (see [raw vs graded cards](https://holofile.app/guides/raw-vs-graded-pokemon-cards) for what a slab is). Grading companies let you look up a slab’s certification number on their website: check that the number exists and matches the card and grade on the label.

## When you’re not sure

If a card is valuable and you still have doubts, a grading company’s authentication or an experienced collector or shop can give a second opinion. Holofile can’t authenticate cards: its scanner matches a card’s image to the catalog, which helps you find the right card to compare with (see [Scan a card](https://holofile.app/support/scan-a-card)), but a good fake can look similar enough to match.