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Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on March 24, 2023 at 6:05am

There is no single magic bullet "tell," but here are a few red flags to look for. 

1. Sticker quality appears different. Poor print quality... different sheen, etc.
2. High value item that only has a sticker... no card or full letter. Bear in mind items valued over a certain amount MUST have a letter. 
3. Number does not match item description on website
4. Fake stickers tend to appear on items that may appeal to casual / impulse collectors. For example, chances are you're not going to see a fake sticker on a Thomas Edision letter, but more likely items like LeBron James, Michael Jordan, hot sports and entertainment celebs, etc. In my experience, most fake stickers I have seen have been on sports items.
5. Fake stickers tend to come from no name eBay sellers who offer other suspect material. I really don't recall ever seeing a fake sticker offered by a known and reputable dealer.

Also, bear in mind that fake stickers are uncommon and represent a tiny fraction of the overall market. Don't drive yourself crazy obsessing over it. 

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Permalink Reply by Mike Shepherd To Steve Zarelli on March 24, 2023 at 1:21pm

Great assessment, Steve.  Thank you so much for that thorough reply.  Hope all is well.

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Permalink Reply by CJCollector To Mike Shepherd on March 25, 2023 at 3:45pm

Ditto on that!!!

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Permalink Reply by Britfrog To Steve Zarelli on March 24, 2023 at 1:33pm

Many thanks for that!

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