Top 10 Pokémon Cards Most Likely to Be Fake

As the popularity and financial stakes of the Pokémon trading card hobby continue to soar, enthusiasts and collectors face a growing menace: sophisticated counterfeit cards. While amateur fakes were once easy to spot, the massive influx of capital into the market has incentivized forgers to refine their craft. Consequently, distinguishing genuine articles from clever replicas is increasingly difficult, making it crucial to understand which Pokémon cards are most frequently targeted and what specific red flags to watch for when evaluating singles.

While the specific subjects favored by fraudsters may not shock seasoned collectors, knowing which cards demand extra scrutiny in person remains essential. It is easy to presume that only the rarest and most expensive collectibles would be targeted, yet the reality differs entirely. Many frequently forged cards command a modest market value of $150 or less. This strategy is entirely practical for counterfeiters: passing off a holy-grail item as genuine is exceptionally difficult, just as successfully liquidating a card worth the equivalent of a residential mortgage payment poses major hurdles.

Most counterfeited Pokémon cards

• Pokémon JP S-P Pikachu #002 (2019)
• Pokémon S&V 151 Charizard ex #199 (2023)
• Pokémon JP S&S Marnie #068 (2019)
• Pokémon JP XY Promo Pikachu #098 (2014)
• Pokémon JP Base Set Charizard #006 (1996)
• Pokémon JP SWSH Gengar VMAX #020 (2021)
• Pokémon JP SM Promo Pikachu #288 (2018)
• Pokémon Pris. Evol. Eevee #173 (2025)
• Pokémon JP Tag Team Reshiram & Charizard GX #220 (2019)
• Pokémon JP S&M Lillie #068 (2019)

Intriguingly, contemporary cards face a significantly higher risk of forgery than vintage collectibles, with only a single entry on the list exceeding eight years of age. In fact, nearly half of all targeted releases originate from 2019. While their high reproduction rate highlights the enduring appeal of their artwork, releases from that era also align closely with the explosive mainstream boom catalyzed by influencer Logan Paul around 2020.

How to tell if a Pokémon card is fake

The PSA report also highlights fascinating trivia—such as Charizard serving as a more frequent counterfeit target than pop culture icons like Mickey Mouse and Michael Jordan. Crucially, however, the findings outline the definitive criteria professionals use to assess authenticity. Experts recommend evaluating six core physical attributes when inspecting any card:

1. Card edges: The border beveling should exhibit absolute consistency. Any irregular, rough, or unusual textures along the perimeter serve as an immediate giveaway.
2. Colors: Counterfeit and altered cards frequently display ink bleeding, most prominently visible near the borders and outer edges.
3. Shape: Illegitimate cards often suffer from structural warping, bowing, or unnatural curvature.
4. Gloss: An excessive surface shine or an inconsistent, patchy light reflection should instantly trigger skepticism.
5. Layering: If the internal cardstock layers are visibly separating or exposed, it points directly to poor manufacturing or forgery.
6. Size: While difficult to measure accurately without precise tools while on the move, authentic Pokémon cards adhere to strict dimensional standards. PSA emphasizes that even microscopic deviations of a fraction of a millimeter matter.

At a minimum, cross-referencing visual details via an online image search can assist in spotting discrepancies. Nevertheless, as PSA warns, modern counterfeits are becoming increasingly sophisticated, meaning certain subtle flaws may evade the naked eye entirely—making it clear that even supposedly sealed product can no longer be taken at face value.

He traded his $130,000 supercar for Pokémon cards, and doesn’t regret it one bit

Meet the man who gave up an Audi R8 for a Pokémon card collection

Source: Polygon