Is it OK to own fake Pokémon cards?

Owning fake Pokémon cards is not recommended as it can lead to financial losses and support scammers who produce these counterfeit cards, which are often used to deceive fans and collectors. The Pokémon Company strongly advises against purchasing or owning fake Pokémon cards as they are not only illegal but also worthless in official Pokémon events and transactions.

Understanding the Risks of Fake Pokémon Cards

Introduction to Fake Pokémon Cards

The world of Pokémon collecting is vast and exciting, with many fans and collectors seeking to own rare and unique Pokémon cards. However, the rise of counterfeit cards has become a significant issue, with many fans unknowingly purchasing fake cards that can lead to financial losses and disappointment.

The Impact of Fake Pokémon Cards on the Community

The production and distribution of fake Pokémon cards not only harm individual collectors but also the Pokémon community as a whole. Scammers who produce these counterfeit cards often use deceitful tactics to sell them to unsuspecting fans, which can lead to a loss of trust and credibility within the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. Do fake Pokémon cards have a copyright? No, fake Pokémon cards do not have a legitimate copyright, but they often come with a fake TPCi copyright to deceive collectors.
2. Can Pokémon cards be fake on Amazon? Yes, there are Chinese sellers on Amazon who sell fake Pokémon cards, which can be identified by their light blue coloring on the back and HP above 250.
3. How do I report fake Pokémon cards? You can report fake Pokémon cards to The Pokémon Company by emailing them at reportillegaleactivities@pokemon.com.

Collecting and Trading

4. Are custom Pokémon cards legal? No, it is not legal to sell custom cards of a copyrighted card game like Pokémon without permission from the copyright holder.
5. Can I get my money back for fake Pokémon cards? Yes, you can get a refund for fake Pokémon cards by going through the Ebay Return Request process and specifying the reason for the return.
6. How many Pokémon should I have in my deck? Most decks include around 12-16 Pokémon, with priority given to those that can be searched for by the same Trainer cards as your main Pokémon.

Authenticity and Security

7. Do fake Pokémon cards peel? Legitimate Pokémon cards usually don’t peel, and you can test the authenticity of a card by tearing it in half and checking for a middle ply of black paper.
8. What do fake Pokémon cards feel like? Fake Pokémon cards often feel papery or plasticy due to the low-quality materials used in their creation.
9. Are old Pokémon cards illegal? No, old Pokémon cards are not illegal, but their legality in official Pokémon tournaments may vary depending on the season and the specific card series or expansion.

Legal and Community Issues

10. Can you go to jail for stealing Pokémon cards? Yes, theft of Pokémon cards from the factory is a serious offense that can result in heavy fines or even jail time.
11. Are schools banning Pokémon cards? Yes, some schools have banned Pokémon cards due to disputes and distractions they cause, but this is not a universal policy.
12. Can you get caught using a stolen card? It depends on the actions taken by the cardholder and the prevention methods used by the bank or card issuer to detect fraud.

Rare and Valuable Cards

13. Who owns the rarest Pokémon card ever? Logan Paul set a record for his $5.25 million purchase of the rare Pikachu Illustrator card, which holds the Guinness World Record for the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold.
14. What is the most banned Pokémon card? Kadabra was pulled from circulation in 2000 after illusionist Uri Geller claimed it infringed on his likeness.
15. Are McDonald’s Pokémon cards real? Yes, McDonald’s and The Pokémon Company have partnered to release limited-edition trading cards in Happy Meals, which are authentic and valuable to collectors.