How to spot fake PSA slabs

Professional Sports Authenticator. Text-only guide, no grader logos. Every tell links to its public source.

Community and public-source information only. This is not an authentication. Slab Watch is independent and not affiliated with PCGS, NGC, PSA, Beckett (BGS), SGC, CGC or any grading service. Always verify on the grader's official site and contact the grader directly.

Step 1: official cert lookup

https://www.psacard.com/cert/

Type this address yourself. A matching cert is step one, not proof.

Reported tells

Copied certs

PSA says criminals counterfeit inserts with real cert numbers; avoid Craigslist, Mercari, OfferUp.

Source

Backlight the label

On a genuine label you can see the other side's text against a strong light; a glued-on fake front is too thick.

Source

Lighthouse hologram

Tilted left to right, the PSA logo hides/reveals the "NASDAQ: CLCT" pattern.

Source

UV logo & fugitive ink

Rear PSA logo shows smaller PSA logos under UV; fugitive ink washes away with chemicals.

Source

Rear QR code

Scan only with the PSA Cert Verification app.

Source

Tampered cases

Reported signs: cracks, gaps, "frosting" at the edges, a second flip under the label.

Source

Alerts for PSA

PSA: fake label fronts glued over real PSA labels (Published by grader)
PSA: counterfeit inserts may use real cert numbers (Published by grader)
Federal charges over cards sold in fake high-grade holders (2024) (Reported (secondary source citing U.S. Attorney, SDNY))

Run the card checklist Report a suspected fake PSA slab