Buzz
Spotting fake Yu-Gi-Oh! cards might seem difficult, but there are numerous signs that can help you identify a counterfeit. Before purchasing any card, thoroughly examine its attributes and features to ensure it's genuine. The font is often a clear indicator of a fake, and inconsistencies in design are another telltale sign. Additionally, check whether the symbols are accurate and properly placed. If you're unsure, compare the card you're considering with an authentic one to spot the differences.
Steps
Check the text
Examine the font. Fake or counterfeit Yu-Gi-Oh! cards often feature different fonts compared to genuine cards. Compare all the text on the card with that of a real one to spot any differences.
- The text on fake cards is usually larger than on authentic cards.
Advice: Use any real card to compare the differences in font style. If you don't have a real card in hand, try searching for one online.
Check for any spelling or grammar errors in the effect text. Fake cards are often poorly translated or contain spelling mistakes. Review the effect text or the card description to see if there are any errors in spelling or grammar. This is a key sign of a fake card.
- Also check the layout of the text on the card. If it looks different from the authentic card, it could be a fake.
Check if the effect text is accurate. Compare the effect text with that of a real card to spot any differences. If there are any inconsistencies in phrasing or writing style, the card is likely fake.
- Search online for the real card to see the correct wording and compare it.
- If the effect text is italicized on the real card but not on the card you're considering, it's a fake.
Check for lowercase letters in the card's name. All authentic Yu-Gi-Oh! cards feature the names of monsters or abilities in uppercase letters. If you find any lowercase letters in the card's name, it’s a fake.
- The effect text may contain lowercase letters, but the card's name will never include them.
Check the brackets and slashes for correct formatting. The card type will always be enclosed in brackets, with words separated by slashes. Additionally, the ATK and DEF values will be separated by a slash.
- Also, check the spacing. Some fake cards will have more or less space before or after the slashes than usual.
Check the Symbol
Examine the Attribute Symbol at the top-right corner of the card. The Attribute Symbol is a Japanese kanji located in the top-right corner of the card. Above this kanji, there is usually an English translation. If there is no symbol, the English translation is incorrect, or if the translation contains spelling errors, the card is fake.
- Examples of English translations include: light, dark, fire, water, earth, wind, divine, spell, and trap.
Note: Some older cards may be labeled as magic instead of spell.
Inspect the top, right, and bottom edges of the star level. Monster cards display a star symbol indicating their level. The star is gold and five-pointed on a circular red-orange background. The top, right, and bottom points of the star may appear faint or blend into the red-orange background. If the star is a solid color or appears differently, it's a fake.
- Compare the alignment of the star level with a real card. Fake cards often have misaligned star levels.
Check the details of the rank star. The rank star is a five-pointed gold star on a black circular background. This star should have no faint or blended points. If the rank star looks different, it’s a fake.
- Rank stars only appear on Xyz monster cards. If you see a rank star on a non-Xyz monster card, it’s a fake.
Ensure that the Spell and Trap cards are free of stars. Spell and Trap cards are often counterfeited, but you can easily spot a fake by carefully inspecting all the card's features to see if they match the original. For instance, genuine cards will not display any star or level marks.
Observe the design details of the card.
Check the rounded corners of the card. All authentic Yu-Gi-Oh! cards feature rounded corners. If a card has sharp corners, it is likely fake. Be cautious even with cards that have excessively rounded corners.
Run your fingers over the surface of the card to test its texture. The surface of a genuine card will be smooth with a slightly raised texture that highlights the card’s artwork. Run your fingertip over the card and feel its texture. Fake cards usually feel either too flat or rough. A fake card may feel like sandpaper when rubbed.
Inspect the card's edges to see if they are unevenly cut. A common trick used by counterfeiters is leaving the edges of the card uneven, with some parts thicker than others. Be sure to check both the front and back of the card to ensure the edges are properly aligned.
Check the label at the bottom right corner of the card. Authentic cards will feature a shiny square label at the bottom right corner of the front side, with the words 'Yu-Gi-Oh!' printed horizontally. Fake cards might lack this label or have the text arranged vertically. The color of the label is usually gold or silver; any other color indicates a counterfeit.
Note: A gold label indicates that the card is a first edition or a limited edition. If the card is advertised as a first edition or limited edition but has a silver label, it is a fake.
Examine the design, logo, and registered trademarks on the back of the card. The back should feature a dark orange swirl with a black oval shape in the center. In the bottom right corner, there should be the official Yu-Gi-Oh! logo, with the words 'trading card game' and a registered trademark just below it. If any text is missing or misplaced, the card is likely counterfeit. Also, note that the border on the back of the card is typically slightly thicker than the front border.
Develop good buying habits.
Research the card you're about to purchase. Before buying any Yu-Gi-Oh! card, you should familiarize yourself with all its features and attributes to ensure you're getting the genuine article. Visit the official Yu-Gi-Oh! website to verify the correct details of the card you're considering buying.
- Visit https://www.yugioh.com/ to search for information about the card you want to purchase.
Tip: You should explore online forums to gather information about cards and learn what fake cards look like.
Check the name and stats of the card you're purchasing. Even when buying from a large retail store or seeing packaged cards, don't immediately assume they are genuine. You need to verify the authenticity of the card by ensuring that its name and stats match correctly.
- Stats include the type, star level, or rank.
- It's a good idea to compare the numbers on the bottom right corner of the card image with those of a genuine card.
Avoid purchasing cards sold in bulk sets. A sealed Yu-Gi-Oh! deck consists of a single deck of 9 cards. Fake cards are often sold in larger bundles or multiple decks combined together.
- Promotional offers selling 3 decks together is a clear sign that the cards are counterfeit.
Compare two cards to identify differences. Whether you're buying cards online from an individual or purchasing them in person, it's essential to compare the card they're selling with a genuine one to check for discrepancies. If the card they are trying to sell you differs in any way, it's likely a fake.
- Search for genuine cards online so you can compare them with the one being sold.
