Original or fake? The fake check

Fakes are a big problem with trading cards, slabs and anime figures. These checks help you spot most of them.

Trading cards

1Light test: shine a phone flashlight through the card. Genuine cards have a dark inner layer and let little light through – fakes often glow brightly.
2Print and text: look for spelling mistakes, wrong fonts, blurry symbols or misaligned text. Compare with a card you know is genuine.
3Card back: colors on fakes are often too light, too dark or have the wrong hue.
4Surface and holo: genuine cards have a fine, even finish. Fakes are often too glossy, too matte or have holo effects in the wrong places.
5Feel and thickness: fakes often feel thinner, flimsier or unusually stiff.
6Sealed products: check the shrink wrap and seams. Many publishers use branded wrap on booster boxes – loose or re-glued wrap is a warning sign.
7Price: if a rare card or booster box is far below market price, it is almost always fake or resealed.

1Verify the certificate number on the official website of PSA, Beckett or CGC. Card, set, number and grade must match.
2Check the label: sharp print, correct font, correct hologram or security features of the grading company.
3Check the case: no gaps, glue residue, cracks or signs of opening at the edges.
4Compare photos: many verification pages show images of the graded card – compare them with the seller's photos.
5Buy expensive slabs only from sellers with a long history and good ratings.

1Price: bootleg figures are often 50–80 % cheaper than the official price.
2Manufacturer: official figures name the manufacturer, e.g. Good Smile Company, Bandai Spirits, Banpresto, Kotobukiya or Funko.
3Authenticity sticker: many Japanese manufacturers put an official sticker or hologram on the box.
4Box: blurry print, spelling mistakes or flimsy cardboard point to a fake.
5Paint and details: smudged paint, visible seams or a strong chemical smell are typical for bootlegs.
6Seller: check where the item ships from and whether the seller is the manufacturer, an official store or a well-rated retailer.

Too cheap, unknown seller, no verifiable proof – don't buy.