You think you hit the jackpot when you saw that rare Panini card on a trader’s table. But is it genuine? Learn how to spot a fake Panini card before making a mistake.
Some Panini cards are rare and worth a fortune. However, these are the Panini cards that are often fake. As scammers are getting cheekier and craftier, they also started faking cheaper sets of trading cards because they believe collectors won’t check cheaper cards. But no matter whether you spend $10 or $1,000 on a Panini card: It’s worth knowing how to spot a fake Panini card.
In the early days of selling and buying Panini cards, fakes were easy to spot as some were simple photocopies made with cheap material. Today, scammers are a little more sophisticated and even attempt to fake PSA-slabbed Panini cards. This article gives an overview of things you must look for when buying a second-hand Panini card.
Also Read: Top 10 Most Valuable Panini Cards
3 Types of Fake Panini Cards
Photocopies
Simple photocopies of cards are very common among Panini card scams. These are easy to spot as they are usually low quality and more flimsy than proper Panini trading cards. This method is often used for vintage Panini cards and not as much for modern cards.
Built From Scratch Copies of Existing Cards
These are more intricate as they will look more authentic and include important elements like holographs, fake jersey patches, and other extras. Scammers are getting very good at making these, but you can still see the differences in detail by using a magnifying glass.
Built From Scratch Cards of Cards That Never Existed
Scammers who try to sell cards that don’t officially exist aren’t uncommon. They think it’s harder to prove something fake if people can’t find an original to compare with. This commonly happens with rookie cards.
Also Read: Unlocking the World of Collectibles: A Beginner’s Guide to Panini Cards
Things to Look Out for to Spot a Fake Panini Card
Check if the Card Exists
This might seem like a silly recommendation, but it happens that people buy fake cards that don’t have an official counterpart. If you’ve never heard of a certain card or collection, ensure it exists. The idea of finding a rare treasure nobody knows about is tempting, but even the rarest Panini card is listed somewhere. If you can’t find any info on the card someone tries to sell, it likely doesn’t exist.
Check the Serial Number
If the card you want to buy has a serial number or is a limited edition, check the serial number or limited edition number. It’s easy for scammers to use a random number to make a card look authentic. Example: If someone offers a limited edition Beckham card numbered “5 out of 10”, and the same number is listed for sale somewhere else, one of the cards is a fake.
Look For Incorrect Printing
People who print fake Panini cards are sometimes careless and don’t pay attention to details. That means there is often incorrect printing. It can include visual factors like blurry or pixelated images, incorrect colours, and incorrect fonts. But there could also be misspelt words and missing details from an official Panini card. Use a magnifying glass or a loupe to have a good look at the card.
Check the Quality of the Materials
Fake Panini cards are often made with poor-quality materials. Even the most basic Panini cards are of good quality and fairly sturdy. Fake Panini cards will often feel flimsy, fragile and cheap.
Compare the Card to a Known Real Card
If you can access a real Panini card from the same card collection, you can compare it to the card you’re unsure about. This can help you to spot any differences. Even a photo of the card from a genuine source can be a great way to spot potential differences.
Make Sure the Jersey Patch Is the Right Colour and Design
If you want to buy a rare patch or logo card, check what the player’s jersey looks like. It’s easy enough for fakers to attach a random patch of clothing to a fake card.
Use a Magnifying Glass or a Loupe to Check the Printing on Vintage Cards
You don’t need a degree to see the obvious difference between the close-ups of vintage and modern prints. Modern prints will have a regular, matrix-like printing pattern that looks tidy. A few decades ago, different printing presses were used. That means the close-up of printing patterns looks more irregular.
Take the Card to a Reputable Dealer or Grading Service
If you’re unsure if a Panini card is real, you can take it to a reputable dealer or grading service for authentication. These professionals have the experience and expertise to spot fake cards. If the seller is against using the services of a professional, it’s a sign that the card is fake. An honest seller wouldn’t have a problem with the card being checked!
Check the Authenticity Print
Panini never prints the authenticity note vertically. If you see that note printed vertically on either side of the card, that’s an obvious giveaway of the card being fake.
If It’s a PSA-Slabbed Card, Check for Tampering and Fake Certification
Going for PSA-slabbed cards is generally a good way to ensure you buy an authentic card. Sadly, scammers also found ways to fake PSA-slabbed cards. Make sure you check the slab for tampering. If it looks like the slab has been opened, there’s a chance something’s not quite right. Also, take a good look at the label.
You can always check the certification, and if in doubt, contact the PSA to ask them about the card. They take forgeries seriously and have even worked with the FBI to nail scammers.
Additional Tips to Avoid Fake Panini Cards
If a Price Seems Too Good to Be True, It Usually Is
If a Panini card is being offered for a price that seems too good to be true, it’s probably a fake. There’s no way someone would sell a card worth a few thousand dollars for just $500.
Buy From Reputable Dealers
If you’re buying a Panini card from a dealer, ensure they’re reputable. Reputable dealers will only sell authentic cards. They can’t afford to damage their reputation.
Don’t Fall For Typical Scamming Techniques
Don’t fall for typical scamming techniques if you want to buy a Panini card outside a safe marketplace. Don’t send someone you don’t know money before you have seen the card. Don’t use money transfer methods which don’t allow you to get your money back if you’ve been scammed. It’s best to have an additional layer of security for transactions with people you never traded with.
Don’t Trust Every Seller
Online marketplaces like eBay can be a great place to buy Panini cards, but it’s also a haven for scammers. A common tactic fakers use to sell their fake or worthless cards is to bid on their cards with fake accounts to make the price go up. Other people who look at these listings will think it’s a popular and valuable card. Make sure to check who bids on these cards. If it’s only new accounts with no feedback, then back away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Common Are Panini Card Scams?
Trading card scams have been around for decades, but thanks to modern equipment, Panini card scams have become more numerous. Fake Panini cards can be found everywhere, like actual trading card shows, online marketplaces and collector’s meetings. The more valuable a card is, the more important it is to check for fakes, especially when buying from private sellers.
Are There Any Famous Panini Card Scams?
No Panini card scam is so common that it’s famous, but recently, another trading card scam made the news: A senior man called Mayo Gilbert McNeil made more than $800,000 by selling fake Tom Brady and Michael Jordan Fleer trading cards.
Are Panini Cards a Good Investment?
Whether a Panini card increases in value depends on many factors. You could buy Panini cards as an investment, but you shouldn’t count on being able to turn into a millionaire, as only very few people are lucky enough to hit the Panini card jackpot.
Author Profile
-
Name: Kim Anisi
Intro: Gaming has been my passion since childhood. The journey started when I received hand-me-down games on Atari and Amiga systems from my brother and I now mainly play games on PC. Among the vast genres in the gaming world that I have tried, my personal favourites are RPGs, MMORPGs, (Action) adventures, horror games, and settlement/city builders. Overcoming the challenges and helping others in games provide a great satisfaction to me.