Counterfeit Card Policy

Our Commitment to Authenticity

TCGStore is committed to maintaining the integrity of the trading card marketplace by:

Rigorously screening all sellers
Investigating every counterfeit claim thoroughly
Removing sellers who knowingly list counterfeit items
Continuously educating our community about authentication
Maintaining a team trained in counterfeit detection

If You Receive a Suspected Counterfeit

Act immediately to protect your purchase:

Important: Do NOT return suspected counterfeits directly to the seller. All suspected counterfeits must be sent to TCGStore for professional authentication.

Step 1: Request a Return

Log in to your account and navigate to your Order History
Select the order containing the suspected counterfeit
Click "Request Return" and select reason: "Suspected Counterfeit"
Provide detailed information:
- What makes you believe it's counterfeit
- Clear photos of the card (front, back, and any suspicious areas)
- Side-by-side comparisons with authentic cards (if available)

Step 2: Ship to TCGStore

Once your return is approved, you will receive:

Return authorization number
TCGStore Returns Department address (items must come to us, not the seller)
Shipping instructions for safe card transport

Use a trackable shipping method and insure valuable items.

Step 3: Professional Authentication

Our authentication team will:

Inspect the card using industry-standard authentication methods
Compare against known authentic examples
Use specialized equipment (UV light, loupe magnification, etc.)
Provide a detailed authentication report

Timeline: Authentication typically completed within 7-14 business days

Authentication Results

If Counterfeit

Full refund issued immediately
Refund includes original purchase price + shipping
Default: Store credit (or original payment method upon request)
Card retained by TCGStore for evidence
Seller investigation initiated

If Authentic

Card returned to you at no charge
Detailed authentication report provided
No refund issued (card is authentic as listed)
Return shipping paid by TCGStore

Common Signs of Counterfeit Cards

While our authentication team handles verification, here are common red flags:

Visual Inspection

Incorrect font or spacing
Blurry or pixelated artwork
Wrong card stock thickness
Incorrect color saturation
Misaligned borders or centering

Physical Tests

Incorrect weight or feel
Wrong texture (too smooth or rough)
Glossy finish on matte cards
Poor foiling quality
Unusual smell (chemical or ink)

Pro Tip: Use the "light test" - hold the card up to a bright light. Authentic Magic: The Gathering cards show a specific layer pattern. Counterfeits often appear solid or show incorrect layering.

Seller Consequences

When a card is confirmed counterfeit, TCGStore takes immediate action:

First Offense (Unintentional)

Seller account temporarily suspended pending investigation
Required to complete authentication training
Enhanced monitoring of future listings
May be required to authenticate high-value items before listing

Repeat Offenses or Intentional Sales

Permanent ban from TCGStore
All active listings removed
Pending earnings frozen
Reported to relevant authorities if fraud is suspected
Information shared with industry anti-counterfeit organizations

Prevention & Education

TCGStore provides resources to help buyers and sellers authenticate cards:

Authentication guides for major TCG games
Video tutorials on spotting counterfeits
Seller training on proper authentication
Community forums for sharing knowledge
Updated counterfeit alerts for new fakes in circulation

For Sellers: How to Protect Your Reputation

Only sell cards from reputable sources
Verify authenticity before listing high-value items
Use TCGStore's authentication service for expensive cards
Clearly disclose if authenticity is uncertain
Keep purchase receipts and provenance documentation
Stay educated on current counterfeit trends

Suspected a Counterfeit?

Don't wait - protect your purchase and our community by reporting it immediately.

Login to File a Report

Or contact support: support@tcgstore.ca