By now, we’re all used to Pokémon kicking down doors in the hobby, from record-breaking, six-figure sales to lines—and scalpers—wrapped around the block to scoop up releases. Well, as of this morning, the world’s most beloved pocket monsters can add another notch to their PokeBelt: Pokémon characters now occupy six of the top 10 spots on PSA’s most-counterfeited list, dethroning sports legends like His Airness that previously dominated the list.
Today, PSA released their first-ever Fraud Report, and the numbers are…not great. Counterfeit activity accounted for more than $200 million in fraud last year, with all counterfeit trading cards up 45.3% year-over-year. Pokémon, unsurprisingly, is the headliner, with a 125% YoY jump in counterfeit cards, and a frankly absurd 407.2% spike in altered Pokémon cards.
From Hardwood to Holos
The new Mt. Rushmore of Counterfeit Cards looks like this:
- Charizard
- Michael Jordan
- Pikachu
- Mickey Mantle
Gengar, Tom Brady, Rayquaza, Umbreon, Mewtwo, and Ken Griffey Jr. round out the top 10.
It’s Not Just Grails
The bigger shift here isn’t who is being counterfeited—it’s what. PSA’s report shows that counterfeiters have moved beyond the hobby’s six-figure prized assets and are now targeting inexpensive and mid-tier cards—and even widely available promo cards. Time to take a closer look at your collection.
With all the liquidity in the Pokémon market, including a global audience of buyers and sellers, bad actors have simply followed the volume here, with scammers betting that collectors won’t scrutinize a $50 Pikachu the way they would a $50,000 card.
Stay Sharp
PSA’s Fraud Report is the first of its kind from the ever-growing grading company, and it lays out not just the patterns counterfeiters are using, but the safeguards PSA has in place to stop them. (Thanks for fighting the good fight, PSA!) If you’ve been ripping packs—or buying singles—in 2025, give the full report a read.
Want to make sure your Charizards (and your Jordans) are the real deal? Head to Mantel to connect with fellow collectors who can help you spot a fake from a mile away.
