How to spot fake Pokémon cards
Pokémon's own advice is to hold a card up to a bright light, compare the packaging with official product images, and be wary of any pack priced far below normal.
Written from the sources listed at the foot of this page, read on . Drop Radar does not sell the toys.
How can I tell if a Pokémon card is fake?
Pokémon says counterfeit cards "are often easy to see through if you hold them up to a bright light". It also suggests asking a local shop that specialises in trading cards to look at the card for you. Source: Pokémon Support: Did I purchase fake or counterfeit cards?.
Does the light test really work?
It is the one check Pokémon itself publishes. Pokémon says fakes are "often" see-through, not always, so treat it as a first check and not as proof. Source: Pokémon Support: Did I purchase fake or counterfeit cards?.
How can I tell if a Pokémon booster pack or box is fake?
Pokémon says pictures of its products are on its website, and that knowing what the real packaging looks like helps you avoid knock-offs. It also says that "often, fake booster packs are very difficult to discern from the real ones". Source: Pokémon Support: Did I purchase fake or counterfeit cards?.
Is a very cheap Pokémon pack a warning sign?
Yes. Pokémon says a pack priced "dramatically below our suggested retail price is a near certain warning" of counterfeit goods. It adds that most reports of counterfeit sales it receives come from flea markets. Source: Pokémon Support: Did I purchase fake or counterfeit cards?.
Where can I buy genuine sealed Pokémon cards in the UK?
Pokémon's UK "Where to buy" page lists Pokémon Center, Play! Pokémon Stores, Amazon, Argos, ASDA, Chaos, GAME, MagicMadhouse, Smyths, WHSmith, Zavvi, Ryman and Total Cards, and mentions local toy shops that stock the cards. Drop Radar's Pokémon cards in stock UK page lists the card shops we have checked and what we found about each. Source: Pokémon TCG (UK): Where to buy.
Can I get a refund if I bought fake Pokémon cards?
Citizens Advice says you have a legal right to a refund for fake goods, and to a full refund within 30 days of paying. From 30 days to 6 months, the seller can offer a genuine replacement and must refund you if they cannot. After 6 months you may get a part-refund and may need to show the item is fake. That page covers England. Source: Citizens Advice: Report fake or counterfeit goods.
What if the seller will not refund me?
Citizens Advice says to contact the trader first, in writing, and keep copies. If that fails, you can ask your card provider for a chargeback or make a section 75 claim, or open a PayPal dispute within 180 days of paying. On eBay, the Money Back Guarantee covers items that do not match the listing, and for most purchases you have 30 days from delivery to ask for a return. Source: Citizens Advice: Getting your money back if you paid by card or PayPal; eBay UK: Money Back Guarantee policy.
How do I report fake Pokémon cards in the UK?
Contact the Citizens Advice consumer service, which passes your report to Trading Standards. Trading Standards decides whether to investigate and contacts you only if it needs more information. It cannot get your money back for you. Source: Citizens Advice: Reporting to Trading Standards.
Many guides list checks on fonts, colours, card texture, weight or a "rip test". We found no official source for any of them, so they are not on this page. We do not name any shop or listing as counterfeit: that is for Trading Standards to decide.
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Quick answers
Do real Pokémon cards let light through?
Pokémon says counterfeit cards are often easy to see through when held up to a bright light. It does not say every fake fails this test.
Are cheap Pokémon packs always fake?
Not always, but Pokémon calls a price dramatically below its suggested retail price a near certain warning sign of counterfeit goods.
Can a shop check my Pokémon cards?
Pokémon suggests asking a local shop that specialises in trading cards to look at cards you are unsure about.
Can Trading Standards get my money back?
No. Citizens Advice says Trading Standards may take legal action against a seller but cannot help you get a refund.
Sources
- Pokémon Support: Did I purchase fake or counterfeit cards? (read 12 October 2026)
- Pokémon TCG (UK): Where to buy (read 12 October 2026)
- Citizens Advice: Report fake or counterfeit goods (read 12 October 2026)
- Citizens Advice: Getting your money back if you paid by card or PayPal (read 12 October 2026)
- Citizens Advice: Reporting to Trading Standards (read 12 October 2026)
- eBay UK: Money Back Guarantee policy (read 12 October 2026)
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