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Is there someone who can authenticate Pokemon cards online? Can I send them pictures and details of my cards and have them authenticated by someone credible?

Community Answer

Yes. Pokemon company will happily authenticate a card. If it is fake, they will send you a copy of the real one with a booster code for Pokemon tcg.

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Question

I made my own cards on a Pokemon card maker site. Is it okay if we play with just those cards, following normal Pokemon rules?

Shadow_wolf_52

Community Answer

If you are battling competitively or trying to sell them, that is a big no-no. But if you make it clear with your opponent that the cards are fake and this is for fun, you might be okay. If you are using fake cards with some friends in a group, it's totally fine.

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Question

Where do they sell fake cards?

Community Answer

Trading websites such as eBay, Amazon, or Craigslist are more likely to sell fake cards than a brick and mortar store. You should also be careful when trading cards with someone, especially if a trade seems too good to be true.

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Question

How can I ensure that Pokémon cards I buy online are not fake?

Community Answer

Identifying fake cards purchased online can be challenging, as sellers may use misleading photos. To reduce your risk, always thoroughly check the seller's reputation and feedback score on the platform. A seller with a strong positive history is generally more trustworthy.

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Question

How can you tell if a "full art" card is fake?

Community Answer

Traditionally, full art cards usually have a brown or rust-colored border. If it is yellow, it is likely a fake.

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Question

Why should I be concerned about fake Pokémon cards?

Community Answer

Fake cards are a significant problem because they defraud consumers. When you unknowingly purchase counterfeits, you waste your money on items that cannot be resold, traded, or used in official tournaments, diminishing the value and integrity of your collection.

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Question

How can I tell if an ex Pokémon card is real?

Community Answer

You might notice the colors on the back of a fake Pokémon card are often lighter than those on genuine cards. Additionally, fake cards often display unrealistic or inconsistent stats. You may also find that a fake card is thinner and easier to bend than an authentic one.

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Question

Does an uneven cut on my Pokémon card indicate it's fake?

Community Answer

It's possible. Unevenly cut edges are a common sign of fake Pokémon cards, which often have cheap-feeling borders and may arrive worn or bent.

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Question

Am I likely to encounter fake Pokémon cards being sold today?

Community Answer

Yes, you are likely to encounter them. Counterfeit Pokémon cards are still actively produced and sold because there is a strong market of collectors, which unfortunately attracts scammers. Always verify the authenticity of cards before purchasing them.

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Question

I think my Timburr card looks very cartoony. Could it be fake?

Community Answer

Timburr is a real Pokémon. You can compare your card's artwork to official images online; however, many fake cards also use correct artwork, so you should follow the instructions in this article to verify its authenticity.

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Question

I have some Pokémon cards with shiny borders. Does this feature necessarily mean they are fake?

The Critical Master

Community Answer

Not necessarily. While some rare, authentic Pokémon cards feature shiny borders, this can also be a common characteristic of counterfeit cards. You should carefully examine them for other indicators of fakery.

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Question

What should I do with fake Pokémon cards?

Imejeff

Community Answer

You can discard fake Pokémon cards. Alternatively, some collectors choose to keep them separate from their genuine cards, perhaps for reference.

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Question

Should I buy Pokémon cards online, or is it safer to purchase them from a store?

Community Answer

Buying Pokémon cards from a physical store is generally safer because you can inspect the card's authenticity and condition before purchase. In contrast, when buying online, there is a risk that sellers might display genuine card images but send you counterfeit items.

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Question

Can I use a fake Pokémon card in a real battle?

Community Answer

No, you cannot use fake Pokémon cards in official battles. Their often incorrect or exaggerated stats would create an unfair playing advantage.

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Question

How can I tell if an EX card is real?

Community Answer

Look at the EX at the top of the card. Is is plain yellow? If it is the card is fake. If the EX is golden and shiny then it's likely not fake. Also If the card doesn't shine rainbow or golden color when reflected in the light, then it's likely fake.

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Question

Can I trust GameStop to sell authentic Pokémon cards?

ThatLeafCanGame

Community Answer

While GameStop often sells authentic Pokémon cards, the authenticity of products can sometimes vary between locations. In my experience, I have purchased both genuine and non-authentic booster decks from different GameStop stores.

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Question

If the Pokémon logo on the back of a card is upside down, does that mean it's fake?

Community Answer

No, that's generally normal. Authentic Pokémon cards feature the Pokémon logo twice on the back: once right-side-up above the red half of the Poké Ball, and once upside-down below the white half.

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Question

If the damage is over 250, is it fake?

Community Answer

Some cards (such as a Rayquaza EX or "Super Charizard") can do more than 250 damage with one attack, but if the cost of the attack is very low energy and the HP of the card is very high, the card is either real but illegal to use in duels, or fake.

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Question

What if the card's back has a slightly uneven blue side?

Community Answer

It might be fake, but inspect the rest of the card using all of the steps above.

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Question

Can I use fake Pokémon cards in battles?

Bun bun

Top Answerer

You cannot use fake Pokémon cards in official tournaments, but for casual games with friends, you may use them if everyone agrees.

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Question

Is Beldum a fake Pokemon card? Because it looks fake.

Gracekitten

Community Answer

Beldum is a real Pokémon, so the card might be real. Follow the steps in the article to check if it's real.

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Question

How do I determine if a Pokémon tin is authentic?

Community Answer

You can identify authentic Pokémon tins by their full metal construction, including the surface and edges. Counterfeit versions often use a cardboard covering instead of metal.

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Question

If it's too light, is it fake?

Prokop Tomka

Community Answer

Yes. Fake cards are made out of thin, single layer paper.

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Question

Does a smudged Pokédex entry on my card mean it's fake?

Community Answer

A smudged Pokédex entry doesn't automatically mean your card is fake; it could be a legitimate printing error. For absolute certainty, consult reliable online guides or communities specializing in identifying fake Pokémon cards.

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Question

Do all Pokémon cards have the illustrator's name in the bottom left corner?

Bun bun

Top Answerer

No, you will find that not all authentic Pokémon cards include the illustrator's name in the bottom left corner. While many legitimate cards feature this detail, some older sets or special releases may have the illustrator's name located elsewhere or omit it entirely.

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Question

Where in the UK can I go to check if a card is fake?

Community Answer

You can go to a comic book shop. You could also search pictures of fake cards and compare them to what you have.

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Question

I bought my first GX card, but it feels a bit like plastic. Is this normal? It is really smooth.

Community Answer

Yes, this is normal. EX and GX cards can sometimes be smoother than other cards.

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Question

Why do I need so many different ways to check if a Pokémon card is real?

Shadow_wolf_52

Community Answer

Pokémon cards are intricately designed with many unique features, so you must check various aspects to ensure their authenticity.

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Question

Can Dragonite have an attack that requires five energy?

Community Answer

Yes, it can.

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Question

Are most EX cards fake?

Bun bun

Top Answerer

Not at all! Most EX cards are likely to be real.

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