Rumor: Collectors are flagging fake PSA slabs. Here's what to check

Collectors say suspected fake PSA slabs are turning up on Fanatics, eBay and ALT. PSA has not confirmed it. Collectors are pointing to old cert numbers in new holders and QR links ending in /psa.

By The Hobby Close · October 29, 2026, 6:47 PM ET· Source: Collectors on X and Elite Fourum →

The Hobby Close: Rumor: Collectors are flagging fake PSA slabs. Here's what to check

Graphic: The Hobby Close

Rumor. Not confirmed by PSA. Collectors on X and the Elite Fourum say suspected fake PSA slabs are showing up on Fanatics, eBay and ALT. The talk started with the $288,000 PSA 10 Expedition Dragonite sold at Fanatics Collect, after a collector said he still owns a slab with the same cert number.

The signs collectors are pointing to, together:

An older cert number (starting with 2 through 7) inside a newer holder with the large molded "21" on it.
A QR code that opens a link ending in /psa.
No reholder history that would explain an old cert in new plastic.

The collectors who posted this say none of these signs proves a fake on its own, and the method still needs checking against confirmed fakes. PSA has not commented publicly.

What to do: Before buying a high-dollar PSA slab, look the cert up on PSA's site, compare the card and label to PSA's own scan, and ask the seller about any reholder history.