Fake PSA Slabs in 2025: The 60-Second Check Every Collector Should Know

At a recent show, a dealer was duped into spending $28,000 on “PSA 10” cards—every slab turned out to be fake. Counterfeiters now mimic PSA’s label and reuse real cert numbers. Some even combine real parts (like a genuine PSA label) with a fake holder or a lower-grade card. This guide shows you how to spot trouble fast and buy with confidence.

The 3 scams you’ll see most often

Fully fake slab + fake label + fake card

Modern fakes copy PSA’s Lighthouse™ look and QR code patterns; scanning can still pull a real cert page because scammers reuse legit certification numbers. (PSA itself warns that cert lookup alone does not eliminate risk.)

Real card, wrong grade (“label harvesting”)

A genuine lower-grade card (e.g., an 8) is paired with a real PSA 10 label cracked from another slab and re-encased in a counterfeit holder. Because the label is genuine, simple QR/UV checks may appear fine. Use weld checks and a quick grade sanity check on the card itself.

Tampered slabs (cracked & glued)

When a sonic-welded holder is violated, PSA says you may see edge “frosting,” micro-cracks, flex, or a holder that pops along the seam—classic signs of glue-back tampering.

Why “scan the cert” isn’t enough anymore

PSA’s Cert Verification page explicitly notes: verification does not eliminate risk, and criminals do counterfeit inserts using real cert numbers. Buy from trusted sources and use multiple checks.

Do this 60-second “Slab Check” at any table

(10s) Weld vs. glue

Inspect all four edges under light. PSA’s holder uses a stronger ultrasonic weld designed to reveal tampering: avoid hazy “frosting,” gaps, flex/popping seams.

(15s) Label security cues

Modern Lighthouse™ labels show:

• Lighthouse logo with on/off illumination effect (tilt test)
• UV PSA logo pattern on the back
• Fugitive-ink background to deter “label washing”
• QR to Cert Verification

Confirm these behaviors, not just the printed look.

(10s) Thinness/see-through test

Hold the slab to a strong light: on an authentic insert you should see through enough to make out reverse text; “double-layered” fakes are often too opaque.

(15s) Grade sanity check

Does the card look like the claimed grade (centering, corners, surface) per PSA’s grading standards? If a “10” looks mid-grade, stop.

(10s) Image match when possible

PSA publishes front/back images on many cert pages via SecureScan across Economy and higher levels—open the cert and compare print dots, edge nicks, and centering to the PSA images. (Older certs may lack images; PSA only uploads images it captures in-house.)

Safer ways to buy (shows & online)

At shows / LCS

• Run the 60-second Slab Check before money changes hands.
• Ask to tilt the label (Lighthouse effect), show the back under UV, and provide edge photos/video of all seams for pricier items. (Don’t rely on UV alone.)
• For high-value deals, use payment methods with buyer protection.

Online

• Avoid expensive listings with stock photos only. Ask for a short video showing tilt/UV and all four seams.
• Prefer marketplaces with authentication or strong buyer protections.

eBay Authenticity Guarantee (U.S.)

eBay sends single graded cards $250+ and ungraded cards $250+ to PSA for inspection; for graded cards PSA authenticates the case and label (no re-grading). Look for the blue badge in listings.

Not everything qualifies (e.g., certain categories/holders or multi-card lots). Check eligibility in eBay’s FAQ.

If you suspect a fake

• Document seams, label behavior (tilt/UV), and the cert page (screenshots/video).
• Contact the seller/platform immediately.
• Report the cert to PSA via Support; PSA centralizes verification, imaging (when available), and guidance.

What organizers & dealers can do (industry call-to-action)

• Ban “proxy” cards inside PSA-style slabs on the show floor—they’re prime tools for later fraud.
• Require vendors to scan certs on the spot, show seam close-ups, and tilt/UV the label on any item over a set threshold.
• Post buyer-education signage (QR to PSA Security & Buyer’s Guide).

Tech directions to watch

• More cert-page imaging (SecureScan) improving image-matching by buyers; older/legacy certs may remain without images.
• Stronger holder-level identifiers and micro-features to blunt label harvesting. (PSA already highlights tougher welds designed to reveal tampering.)
• Expanded marketplace authentication coverage and clearer refund playbooks for graded items.

Quick FAQs

Does scanning the QR prove it’s real?

No. PSA says verification does not eliminate risk; criminals can counterfeit inserts using real cert numbers. Use weld and label checks too.

Are UV/blacklight tests still reliable?

Helpful, but insufficient. Combine with weld inspection and Lighthouse label behavior.

What are the fastest physical tells?

Edge frosting/micro-cracks/flex (broken weld) and a label that fails the tilt or see-through tests.

How figoca helps (subtle CTA)

When a deal feels “too good,” pressure comes from the price, not the plastic. Compare the ask against recent comps before the label sways you—then run the 60-second Slab Check. If anything still feels off, walk away.

Sources & further reading

PSA (Security, Labels, Tampering, Imaging, Standards)

• PSA Security — Lighthouse label features and stronger weld
• PSA Cert Verification — verification does not eliminate risk
• PSA Security: A Buyer’s Guide — tampering signs (frosting, glue)
• PSA Labels: New Look & Technology — Lighthouse and fugitive ink
• PSA SecureScan — free imaging for Super Express and higher
• PSA Set Registry — which orders have SecureScan images
• PSA FAQ — images are captured by PSA (no user uploads)
• PSA Update: Journey of a PSA Card — sonic weld/sealing process
• PSA Grading Standards — grade definitions

eBay Authenticity Guarantee (Trading Cards)

• eBay Authenticity Guarantee — consumer overview (PSA authenticates case & label; no re‑grading)
• eBay Authenticity Guarantee — seller info and $250 threshold
• eBay Help — Authenticity Guarantee eligibility and criteria