How to spot fake Pokémon

Here’s how to make sure your Pokémon cards are real or fake. We have guides teaching you if a Pokémon card is official or unauthorized.

3 quickest ways to spot fake Pokémon

1. Color

Authentic:

Darker and more varied blue shades.
The white side of the pokeball is less shiny.
The “POKEMON” text is orange.

Fake:

Improperly defined colors.
The blue color is too blurry, with only two shades of light blue.
The white side of the pokeball is overly shiny.
The “POKEMON” text is yellow instead of orange.

2. Border

Authentic:

Narrower and shorter borders, both at the top and bottom.

Fake:

Slightly larger borders, especially in terms of height.

3. Air

Authentic:

Cards are tightly sealed inside the foil packaging.
No air inside the bags.

Fake:

Cards are improperly sealed inside the foil packaging.
A lot of air inside the bags, making the foil appear flimsy.

Pokémon fake vs real guides for individual items

Fake Pokémon Cards VS Real: How To Tell FAKES

Ch David

Prefer having one of our authenticators help you find out the truth?

The process is simple: send us pictures along with some details and we’ll come back with a verdict on your item. Easy peasy.

Authenticate Your Item

Need the whole library in your pocket?

Download the Legit Check App By Ch on iOS/Android to have the full encyclopedia of fake vs real guides in your pocket. With a few clicks, you’ll access the relevant part of a guide.

Download our app

Need the ultimate proof of authenticity?

Got sold fakes? Trying to get your money back from a fraudulent transaction? Or maybe you just need rock-solid proof for your item?

Get A Certificate

Learn more the White Glove Authentication Service

Send pictures through and we’ll help you find the answer. No entanglement.

Learn more about our company

Our mission is clear: building the infrastructure for safely buying luxury items. Learn more about what we're doing to achieve that.