In a move that's shaking up the collecting world, Pokémon has officially knocked Michael Jordan off his throne—at least when it comes to counterfeits. PSA's first-ever Fraud Report reveals that six of the top 10 most-counterfeited cards are now Pokémon characters, leaving sports legends like "His Airness" in the dust. It's a sign of the times: the pocket monsters that have been smashing sales records and drawing crowds for new releases are now dominating the dark side of the hobby too.

The report, released today, paints a stark picture of a booming counterfeit market. Last year, fraudulent activity totaled over $200 million, with all counterfeit trading cards up 45.3% year-over-year. Pokémon is leading the charge with a jaw-dropping 125% jump in counterfeit cards and a staggering 407.2% spike in altered cards. The new "Mt. Rushmore" of fakes? It's topped by Charizard, with Gengar, Tom Brady, Rayquaza, Umbreon, Mewtwo, and Ken Griffey Jr. rounding out the top 10.

But here's the real twist: counterfeiters aren't just chasing big-ticket items anymore. PSA's data shows they're now targeting inexpensive and mid-tier cards—even widely available promo cards. The logic? Scammers know collectors might scrutinize a $50,000 card, but a $50 Pikachu could slip under the radar. With Pokémon's massive global audience and high liquidity in the market, bad actors have simply followed the volume, betting on a lack of vigilance.

This first-of-its-kind report from PSA doesn't just highlight the problem—it also outlines the safeguards the grading giant is using to fight back. For collectors ripping packs or buying singles in 2025, it's a must-read. Whether you're protecting a prized Charizard or a classic Jordan, staying informed is your best defense. After all, in a hobby where fakes are on the rise, knowing what to look for can save you more than just money—it can save your collection.