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!
How to Spot Fake Sports Memorabilia Autographs
One of the biggest concerns when buying signed sports memorabilia is whether the autograph is genuine.
Unfortunately, fake autographs exist in every collectible market. Anytime there's money to be made, there will be people trying to take advantage of collectors.
The good news is that many fake autographs leave warning signs if you know what to look for.
While no single clue guarantees an autograph is real or fake, these red flags can help you make better buying decisions.
Compare the Autograph to Known Authentic Examples
The first thing you should examine is the autograph itself.
Ask yourself:
- Does the signature look similar to known authentic examples?
- Is the overall size consistent?
- Does the autograph have the same angle or slant?
- Does it appear to have been signed naturally and quickly?
- Does the pen pressure look consistent?
Professional authentication companies evaluate many of these same characteristics when examining an autograph.
If something immediately looks unusual, it's worth investigating further.
Does the Memorabilia Make Sense?
Sometimes the biggest clue isn't the autograph—it's the item.
Ask yourself whether the memorabilia makes sense for that athlete.
For example:
A Babe Ruth autograph on a modern Official Major League Baseball with today's commissioner's signature would be an immediate red flag.
Babe Ruth passed away decades before those baseballs existed.
Likewise, consider:
- Was this type of item available during the athlete's career?
- Is it something they commonly signed?
- Does the era of the memorabilia match the athlete?
If the item itself doesn't make sense, neither does the autograph.
Look for Trusted Authentication
One of the easiest ways to reduce your risk is to buy memorabilia authenticated by a trusted third-party authentication company.
The three companies most recognized throughout the hobby are:
- Beckett Authentication Services (BAS)
- James Spence Authentication (JSA)
- PSA/DNA
While an autograph authenticated by another company isn't automatically fake, collectors generally place much more trust in these established authentication companies.
That's also why memorabilia authenticated by Beckett, JSA, or PSA often commands higher prices.
Verify the Authentication Online
Modern authentication should be easy to verify.
Most Beckett, JSA, and PSA items include:
- An authentication hologram
- A unique certification number
- Often a QR code
Always verify the certification number using the authentication company's online database.
The online record should match:
- The athlete
- The type of memorabilia
- The authentication number
If the information doesn't match the item you're buying, ask questions before purchasing.
Be Careful with Unknown Authentication Companies
Not every authentication company has the same reputation.
If you've never heard of the company, ask yourself:
- Do they have an online database?
- Can the certification number be verified?
- Are they widely recognized by collectors?
- Would major auction houses accept their authentication?
If the answer is no, proceed carefully.
The value of an authentication depends heavily on the reputation behind it.
Watch for Payment Red Flags
How a seller wants to be paid can also tell you a lot.
Be cautious if a seller insists on payment methods that offer little or no buyer protection, such as:
- PayPal Friends & Family
- Zelle
- Cash
- Mailed checks
- Other non-refundable payment methods
Whenever possible, use payment methods that offer buyer protection in case there's a problem with the transaction.
Research the Seller
Before spending hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars, take a few minutes to research who you're buying from.
Look for businesses that have:
- A professional website
- A published phone number
- An email address
- A way to contact customer service
- Customer reviews
- A clear return policy
If you can't easily contact the seller before purchasing, that's another warning sign.
Reputable companies are happy to answer questions.
Review the Return Policy
Even experienced collectors occasionally have concerns about a purchase.
Before buying, make sure you understand:
- The company's return policy
- Authentication guarantees
- Refund procedures
- Customer service policies
A clear return policy shows that a business stands behind what it sells.
Final Thoughts
Fake sports memorabilia autographs are an unfortunate reality of the hobby, but most collectors can dramatically reduce their risk by doing a little research before buying.
Compare the autograph to known examples, make sure the memorabilia makes sense for the athlete, verify the authentication online, and purchase from reputable companies that stand behind their products.
Taking a few extra minutes before you buy can save you from making an expensive mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a sports autograph is fake?
Compare it to known authentic examples, verify the authentication online, and make sure the memorabilia makes sense for the athlete and the era.
What are the biggest red flags when buying signed sports memorabilia?
Unknown authentication companies, unverifiable certification numbers, unusual payment requests, poor seller communication, and memorabilia that doesn't match the athlete's era.
Should I only buy PSA, Beckett, or JSA authenticated memorabilia?
While other authentication companies exist, Beckett, JSA, and PSA are the most widely recognized and trusted throughout the sports memorabilia hobby.
Is an authentication hologram enough?
No. Always verify the certification number through the authentication company's online database to ensure it matches the item.
What payment methods should I avoid?
Be cautious of sellers who insist on irreversible payment methods like PayPal Friends & Family, Zelle, cash, or checks, especially if you don't know the seller.
What should I do before buying expensive memorabilia?
Research the seller, verify the authentication, compare the autograph to authentic examples, and review the company's return policy.
Related Guides
- What Is Sports Memorabilia Authentication?
- How to Verify Online Sports Memorabilia Authentication
- What Is Witness Autograph Authentication?
- Certificate of Authenticity vs. Letter of Authenticity
- PSA vs. Beckett vs. JSA: Which Authentication Company Should You Use?
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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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