Expert shows how to spot counterfeit trading cards that could get into children’s hands

(InvestigateTV) — The global counterfeiting trade reached an estimated $467 billion in 2021, a figure that has likely increased since then, according to data from Quantambase.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection data show counterfeit seizures more than doubled between 2020 and 2024.

Trading cards are among the items targeted by counterfeiters.

At Green Bay City Cards in Wisconsin, Pokémon cards are popular items that sell out quickly.

“Oh, it’s crazy. We sell out of product as soon as we get it,” Jake Schultz, who works at the store, said.

Collectors encounter fake cards

Pokémon collector Atalis Xiong said the hobby has been affected by counterfeits.

“Pokémon’s an awesome, amazing hobby. I’ve been collecting for a long time,” Xiong said. “I’ve caught some and I’ve noticed and I’ve called them out.”

Schultz said he encounters fake cards from customers who unknowingly purchased counterfeits from third-party sellers, online platforms or flea markets.

“Probably once a week I get a fake card,” Schultz said.

People are usually surprised when their card is counterfeit, he said.

The situation is particularly concerning because many victims are children.

“It’s frustrating because the majority of people who end up with fake cards are kids,” Schultz said.

How to spot fake trading cards

Schultz demonstrated several methods to identify counterfeit cards, including examining the back of the card for the correct dark blue border.

Authentic cards also have specific textures with patterns and designs etched into the surface. Counterfeit cards often feel smooth when they should have texture.

“If you feel a card that’s supposed to have texture, that’s a pretty good tell,” Schultz said.

Another detection method involves using the flashlight on a phone. Counterfeit cards are often see-through, while authentic cards block light completely.

“With a real card, you’ll put the flashlight on and you won’t see any light behind it. But if you take a fake card, you can see the circle from the flashlight,” Schultz said.

Broader counterfeit problem

The bulk of seized counterfeit items consisted of clothing, footwear and leather goods. Hazardous fakes, including cosmetics and automotive parts, were increasingly prevalent.

Over the last five years, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized more than 839,000 counterfeit auto parts with a retail value exceeding $60 million.

Christopher Mabeltini, director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Trade, said the seizures potentially saved lives.

“I think of the potential lives that were saved because we were able to have them here and they didn’t make their way into a vehicle,” Mabeltini said.

Protection tips

To avoid counterfeits, consumers should buy from trusted sources, inspect products and packaging, use technology to verify authenticity and be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true.

Schultz recommends seeking verification from local game stores when in doubt.

“If you’re ever questioning, the best advice I can give you is just stop in at a local game store and ask. They’ll tell you the truth,” he said.

Counterfeits can be reported to the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center’s website at iprcenter.gov.

Learn more here.