The Shift in the Counterfeit Landscape

The hobby of card collecting has seen Pokémon dominate headlines for years, from record-shattering sales to long queues of collectors eager to get their hands on new releases. Now, the iconic franchise has reached a new milestone: Pokémon characters hold six of the top 10 positions on PSA’s latest list of most-counterfeited items, effectively unseating legendary sports figures who previously dominated the rankings.


PSA recently published its inaugural Fraud Report, revealing concerning statistics. The data indicates that counterfeit activity resulted in over $200 million in losses last year. Overall, the volume of forged trading cards rose by 45.3% year-over-year. Pokémon emerged as the primary target, experiencing a 125% increase in counterfeit cards and a staggering 407.2% surge in altered cards.


Top Targets: Beyond Just High-Value Cards

The list of the most targeted cards includes a mix of gaming and sports icons. Among the most frequently counterfeited are:

  • Gengar
  • Tom Brady
  • Rayquaza
  • Umbreon
  • Mewtwo
  • Ken Griffey Jr.

Perhaps the most significant finding in the report is not just who is being targeted, but what is being faked. Counterfeiters have expanded their operations beyond high-end, six-figure assets. They are increasingly focusing on affordable, mid-tier, and even common promotional cards.


Why Scammers Are Changing Tactics

According to the report, scammers are following the market volume. With a massive global audience of buyers and sellers, the Pokémon market offers high liquidity. Fraudsters are operating under the assumption that collectors are less likely to thoroughly inspect a $50 card, such as a Pikachu, compared to a high-stakes $50,000 investment piece.


Protecting Your Collection

This report serves as the first comprehensive study by the grading giant into fraudulent patterns and the defensive measures currently in place. As the hobby continues to grow, industry experts emphasize the importance of vigilance. Collectors who are actively purchasing singles or opening packs in 2025 are encouraged to review the full findings to better protect their investments and learn how to identify potential fakes before completing a transaction.