The Shift Toward Pocket Monsters
The hobby of card collecting has long been accustomed to the influence of the Pokémon franchise, which consistently drives massive sales and draws significant crowds. However, the brand has now achieved a new, albeit unwanted, milestone: Pokémon characters currently hold six of the top 10 positions on PSA’s list of most-counterfeited items, effectively displacing legendary sports icons that previously dominated the rankings.
The Scale of the Fraud
In its inaugural Fraud Report, PSA reveals concerning industry trends. Last year alone, counterfeit activity resulted in over $200 million in fraud, representing a 45.3% year-over-year increase across all trading card categories. Pokémon cards are at the forefront of this surge, with a 125% rise in counterfeits and a staggering 407.2% increase in altered cards compared to the previous year.
According to the data, the most frequently forged cards currently include:
- Gengar
- Tom Brady
- Rayquaza
- Umbreon
- Mewtwo
- Ken Griffey Jr.
Targeting Beyond High-Value Assets
Perhaps the most significant finding in the report is a change in strategy among bad actors. Rather than focusing exclusively on rare, six-figure collectibles, scammers are increasingly targeting mid-tier and inexpensive cards, as well as commonly available promotional items.
As the report suggests, the high liquidity of the Pokémon market has attracted malicious entities who are banking on a lack of vigilance among collectors:
“Scammers are betting that collectors won’t scrutinize a $50 Pikachu the way they would a $50,000 card.”
Protecting Your Collection
This inaugural report from PSA provides essential insights into current fraud patterns and outlines the security measures the company is implementing to combat these risks. As the market continues to evolve, the findings serve as a reminder for collectors to exercise caution when purchasing single cards or opening packs in 2025, emphasizing the importance of rigorous verification for items of all price points.