I’ve been holding on to this hat forever!! Finally got the opportunity to get it signed NBA legend Alex English.. Courtesy of Powers Sports!
Can Authenticated Autographs Still Be Faked? What Every Collector Should Know
One of the most common questions we hear at Powers Sports Memorabilia is:
Can authenticated autographs still be faked?
The short answer is:
Yes—but it's much harder to fool an educated collector.
Many collectors assume that if an item has a hologram from JSA, Beckett Authentication Services (BAS), or PSA/DNA, it must automatically be genuine. While these companies are the gold standard in the hobby, counterfeiters have become increasingly sophisticated over the years.
Fortunately, there are several ways to protect yourself before making a purchase.
Yes, Authentication Stickers Can Be Counterfeited
Unfortunately, counterfeit holograms do exist.
Fraudsters have been known to copy or imitate authentication stickers from companies like:
- Beckett Authentication Services (BAS)
- James Spence Authentication (JSA)
- PSA/DNA
In some cases, counterfeiters even copy a legitimate certification number from a real item and place it on a completely different autograph.
If a buyer only checks that the certification number exists in the online database, they could still be fooled.
That's why verification should never stop at simply scanning a QR code.
Step 1: Verify the Hologram
Always examine the authentication sticker itself.
The major authentication companies continually update their holograms, security features, and QR codes to make counterfeiting more difficult.
Things to look for include:
- Proper hologram quality
- Correct security features
- QR code functionality
- Font and printing quality
- Signs the sticker has been removed or replaced
If something looks unusual, investigate further before purchasing.
Step 2: Verify the Database
The next step is checking the certification number online.
All three major companies allow collectors to search their databases using either the certification number or QR code.
When you search, confirm:
- The athlete's name
- The type of item
- Authentication date (when available)
- Authentication method
- Any available item description
This confirms the certification number is legitimate—but you're still not finished.
Step 3: Compare the Actual Autograph
This is one of the most overlooked steps in autograph authentication.
Even if the hologram and certification number are genuine, you should compare the autograph itself to known authentic examples.
Look at:
- Letter formation
- Signature flow
- Pen pressure
- Size
- Placement
- Overall appearance
Professional authenticators spend years studying autograph characteristics.
Collectors should do the same whenever possible.
If an autograph looks significantly different from numerous known authentic examples, it deserves additional scrutiny.
Letters of Authenticity Add Another Layer of Protection
One of the best safeguards available is a Letter of Authenticity (LOA).
Unlike a simple sticker, an LOA often includes:
- The certification number
- A description of the item
- A photograph of the exact collectible
- A photograph of the actual autograph
Because the letter is tied directly to that specific collectible, it's much more difficult for someone to substitute another item using the same certification number.
Whenever available, an LOA provides additional confidence for collectors.
Witness Authentication Is Even Better
The strongest form of authentication is Witness Authentication.
With witness authentication, a representative from the authentication company was physically present when the athlete signed the item.
This eliminates much of the guesswork involved with opinion-based authentication.
Companies such as JSA, Beckett Authentication Services, and PSA/DNA all offer witness authentication for many public signing events.
Whenever possible, this is the preferred type of authentication for collectors.
Buy From Trusted Dealers
Even with authentication, where you purchase your memorabilia still matters.
Reputable dealers carefully inspect items before offering them for sale and stand behind the authenticity of what they sell.
At Powers Sports Memorabilia, we only sell authentic collectibles obtained through trusted signing events, reputable suppliers, and respected authentication companies.
Our goal is to give collectors complete confidence in every purchase.
Don't Rely on One Thing Alone
The safest collectors use multiple layers of verification.
Instead of asking only:
"Does it have a hologram?"
Ask:
- Does the hologram appear authentic?
- Does the certification number match the database?
- Does the autograph match known authentic examples?
- Is there a Letter of Authenticity?
- Was it witness authenticated?
- Am I buying from a reputable dealer?
The more boxes you can check, the more confidence you should have in the item.
Final Thoughts
So, can authenticated autographs still be faked?
Unfortunately, yes.
Counterfeit authentication stickers and copied certification numbers do exist.
Fortunately, trusted companies like JSA, Beckett Authentication Services (BAS), and PSA/DNA continually improve their security features to stay ahead of counterfeiters.
By verifying the hologram, checking the online database, comparing the autograph itself, reviewing any available Letter of Authenticity, and purchasing from a trusted dealer, you can dramatically reduce your chances of buying a fake.
An educated collector is always the best defense against counterfeit memorabilia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can authenticated autographs still be fake?
Yes. Counterfeit holograms and copied certification numbers have been used by fraudsters, which is why collectors should perform multiple verification steps.
Can someone copy a JSA, Beckett, or PSA hologram?
Unfortunately, yes. Counterfeit stickers have appeared over the years, which is why authentication companies regularly update their security features.
Is scanning the QR code enough?
No. A QR code should only be one part of the verification process. You should also inspect the hologram and compare the autograph to known authentic examples.
What is a Letter of Authenticity?
A Letter of Authenticity (LOA) is a document issued by an authentication company that often includes the certification number, item description, and a photograph of the exact autograph being authenticated.
Is a Letter of Authenticity better than just a sticker?
In many cases, yes. An LOA provides additional documentation and often includes a photo of the exact item, making it harder for counterfeiters to misuse certification numbers.
What is witness authentication?
Witness authentication means a representative from the authentication company was present when the autograph was signed, making it the strongest form of authentication available.
Which authentication companies are the most trusted?
The industry's most respected companies are JSA, Beckett Authentication Services (BAS), and PSA/DNA.
Where should I buy authenticated sports memorabilia?
Purchase from established dealers like Powers Sports Memorabilia that specialize in authentic collectibles and work with trusted authentication companies.
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Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 4942 reviews.
Again, PSM did a great job!
Nice autograph by Roger Clemens himself. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph by Cal Ripken Jr. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Another perfect autograph on my 3000 hit baseball. Always a great experience! Thanks again.
I've had this card since the age of 12. Never had the opportunity until now to get his RC signed. Thanks Matt for making this happen!!
Once again, Matt and his team delivered a smooth, professional experience in obtaining a Dustin Pedroia autograph (with authentication) to a book already containing a number of Red Sox greats’ signatures. I recommend Powers Spirts Memorabilia highly.
Great experience. Card was just as described. Excited to have this added to the collection.
Frank Thomas 1990 Topps Signed Baseball Rookie Card #414B Auto Graded Beckett 10
The COA was placed exactly where I wanted it and it turned out great. Always an easy experience.
An excellent experience with the team. The ball turned out perfectly. Easy to ship the ball in and it returned after signing without an issue.
Great place to do business with. Thank you!
Fernando Tatis Jr 2019 Topps Baseball Rookie Card RC #410 Graded PSA 9 MINT
😍 such a nice autograph! Thank you!
Thank you for another awesome autograph!
Mr. Powers delivered on my request for this Cal Ripken jr. autograph. It was a nice size clean and perfect signature better than I expected. Mr. Powers team is quick to respond with any concerns you may have and keeps you posted on your item. I will absolutely be getting more signatures through them to finish my collection. I highly recommend Powers Sports to anyone that has any doubts. I use to do send ins with Steiner sports until he sold, to me Powers picked up where they left off and I couldnt be happier. Thank you
Great experience as usual! I’ll definitely be getting more autographs in the future!!
As good as it gets
Smooth transaction
The process was smooth and easy as always.
Awesome!
The color match ink auto looks great! Thanks!
A fantastic addition to the set. Bosh's autograph really pops on this one. Thanks!
This might be the only autograph of this card that has his whole auto on it. Great addition to the collection!
The COA wasn't close to where I asked for it to be placed. I'm not sure how this was missed but it was a bummer when I saw that.
This came back amazing! The autograph was very clean! Thanks!
This completes my set of sketch cards. It's been fun doing this.
This was just the COA. Thanks!
It's awesome to get this one back! Another added to the Collection.
Great job by Powers Sports once again! They were able to secure a great signature from Andy Reid on my trading card, using the exact type pen and the exact location that I requested. Accuracy and quality are their top priority!
I submitted 2 cards to get them signed by Patrick Ewing himself. Thanks Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice addition of Barry Bonds to my PC!
Great card and great place to do business with. Thank you!
Ronald Acuna Jr 2018 Topps Living Baseball Rookie Card RC #19 Graded PSA 10
Loved it all.
Great experience as usual, highly recommend Powers
Great job by Matt and his team as usual
Matt and his team did it again. Highly recommend Powers to anyone looking for high end autographs
Matt and his team always do their best for their clients. Couldn’t be happier
Awesome experience as usual, I love my Jagr autograph!
Awesome experience as usual!
Great experience! I had never gotten any autographs through a signing like this before and I had a number of questions. Someone called me right back & couldn’t have been nicer. The customer service was outstanding every step of the way & I couldn’t be happier with the Reggie Jackson autographed ticket.
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