As home technologies improve, fakes get better and better. It is sometimes difficult to tell which are real and which are fake. There are often some attributes that are often not replicated when faked. For instance the Pokémon “sandwich” layer. Fakes on there own are not a problem as they are often on etsy as “Proxy” cards. They can feature some great fan artwork or have a unique border or something obvious its not real. Some parents buy cards from aliexpress for there kids who are too young too look after them. These cards are often visually ok but fail to have texture or the right font on the card. Proxys should be used for DIY projects or to add some humour or personal touch to your collection.
The easiest way to spot a fake is to have a real version of the card next to it and play spot the difference. If there is a single difference, one of them are not real. As a lot of purchases are made online this method is impossible and we have to look at the attributes. Look up a graded version of the card and use this as your reference. Are the colours right? Is the font the same? Does it have mistakes? Is the holographic right? Does it have a texture? If one of these are not right or cannot be verified do not take a chance on its authenticity.
Certain places stock fake packs, these often don’t have the correct art on the box. They are often made of a thicker plastic wrap that the usual wrap. These have been found in newsagents, phone repair shops and vape shops and the like. Its always best to buy your packs from a reputable source. Always look at the seal on any product as packs and boxes are sometimes resealed. It wont be consistent with a usual factory seal or has points where it don’t meet. While it may contain genuine product, its already been cherry picked and contains no to little value.