Anti-Counterfeit Policy

What Is Considered Counterfeit?

• Factory fakes — Mass-produced replica cards that mimic genuine Pokémon TCG cards
• Proxy cards — Any card not printed by The Pokémon Company, Nintendo, or authorized licensees
• Resealed packs — Booster packs that have been opened and resealed with selected cards
• Trimmed cards — Cards that have been cut to artificially improve grading centering
• Altered fakes — Genuine cards altered to appear as more valuable cards (e.g., fake holos added)
• Graded slab forgeries — Fake graded slabs, swapped cards within slabs, or counterfeit PSA/BGS/CGC labels
• Misleading condition — Listing a card in significantly better condition than it actually is

Allowed Disclosures (Must Be Clearly Stated)

• Professional artwork alterations (extended art, textless) — must be disclosed in listing title and description
• Cards with minor printing defects from the factory — must be disclosed with photos
• Non-English authentic cards — language must be clearly stated
• Restored or conserved cards — any professional restoration must be disclosed

Seller Authenticity Requirement

Every seller must confirm card authenticity at the time of listing creation. By submitting a listing, you are legally attesting that:

• The card is a genuine, authentic Pokémon TCG card
• All information in the listing accurately reflects the physical card
• You have the legal right to sell the card

False attestation may constitute fraud under applicable law.

How to Spot a Fake

• Check the light test — real cards have a black layer between layers visible when held to light
• Examine font and texture — fakes often have incorrect fonts or lack the genuine raised texture
• Verify the rosette pattern under magnification — fakes often use a straight line or dot pattern
• Compare weight and feel — genuine Pokémon cards have a specific stiffness and weight
• Check the card back — color (specific shade of blue), pattern, and saturation should match reference images exactly
• Look for color bleed — fakes often have colors that bleed slightly outside printed areas
• For graded cards — verify the cert number on the grading company's official website

How to Report a Suspicious Listing

Every listing on PokéBay has a "Report Counterfeit" button visible below the listing details. Use it to submit a report directly from the listing page. You can also email counterfeit@pokebay.shop with the listing URL.

Takedown Process

1. Submit Report — Click "Report Counterfeit" on any listing or email us. Reports are anonymous to the seller.
2. Acknowledgement — You will see an on-screen confirmation immediately. We log all reports with a timestamp.
3. Review (within 24–48 hours) — Our team examines the listing, photos, and seller history. High-risk listings may be temporarily hidden during review.
4. Seller Contact — The seller may be asked to provide additional photos, proof of purchase, or grading documentation within 48 hours.
5. Decision — If confirmed or strongly suspected counterfeit: listing removed, account suspended, payments withheld. If dismissed: listing reinstated, reporter notified.
6. Buyer Refund — Buyers who received a confirmed counterfeit are eligible for a full refund. Photos of the item and packaging are required.
7. Escalation — Confirmed cases are reported to The Pokémon Company International, relevant grading companies (PSA, BGS, CGC), and law enforcement where appropriate.

Buyer Responsibilities

Buyers should inspect cards upon receipt. If you believe you received a counterfeit card:

1. Do not ship it back without first contacting PokéBay support
2. Photograph the card, packaging, and any grading slab carefully
3. Email counterfeit@pokebay.com immediately with listing ID and photos
4. Retain the card until instructed — do not alter or attempt to open graded slabs

Consequences for Sellers

• Any offense: Immediate permanent account ban with no appeal
• Any offense: All pending and completed payments associated with the listing withheld or reversed
• Any offense: Listing permanently removed from the platform
• Any offense: Case reported to The Pokémon Company International, applicable grading companies, and law enforcement as appropriate
• Any offense: IP address and account data flagged to prevent re-registration