How to Spot Fake Sports Autographs – Authentication Guide (2025)
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How to Spot Fake Sports Autographs – The Ultimate Authentication Guide
Introduction
In the world of sports memorabilia, autographed items can be worth thousands of dollars—but only if they are authentic. Unfortunately, the market is flooded with forgeries, making it crucial to know how to verify a signed jersey, ball, or card.
At Verified Ink, we specialize in authentic sports autographs, and in this guide, we’ll teach you how to spot fake signatures, verify COAs (Certificates of Authenticity), and avoid scams.
1. Check for a Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
A COA is issued by an authentic autograph verifier to certify that a signature is real. However, not all COAs are legitimate! Here’s how to verify them:
✅ Trusted COA Issuers:
- PSA/DNA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
- Beckett Authentication Services (BAS)
- JSA (James Spence Authentication)
- Fanatics & Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA)
❌ Red Flags for Fake COAs:
- Generic “Certificate of Authenticity” with no company name
- No serial number or way to verify it online
- Cheap-looking paper or print quality
Tip: Before buying, always search the COA number on the authenticator’s website!
2. Look for a Hologram or Serial Number
Many legitimately signed sports memorabilia come with hologram stickers from reputable authenticators.
✅ How to Verify a Hologram:
- Check the company name (PSA, JSA, Beckett, Fanatics, etc.)
- Visit their official verification site and enter the serial number
- If the hologram is missing or doesn’t match online records, it could be fake
❌ Signs of a Fake Hologram:
- Hologram is peeling, blurry, or duplicated
- Serial number does not match in the database
- No company branding on the sticker
3. Compare the Autograph to Known Genuine Examples
Before buying, compare the signature to authentic examples from trusted sources.
✅ How to Compare Signatures:
- Use websites like PSA/DNA Autograph Database or Beckett Signature Review
- Check for consistent flow, letter spacing, and unique markers
- Look at previously authenticated items from the same athlete
❌ Fake Signature Warning Signs:
- Shaky or inconsistent strokes (indicates tracing)
- Too perfect or robotic (autopen/machine-generated)
- Fading ink with uniform pressure (likely pre-printed)
4. Be Cautious with Online Marketplaces & Private Sellers
Not all platforms guarantee authenticity, so be careful when buying from:
❌ eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and sketchy sports forums
✅ Safer Places to Buy Authentic Autographs:
- Verified Ink (Guaranteed authenticity)
- Fanatics Authentic
- Steiner Sports
- Sports card conventions with on-site authentication
Tip: If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
5. Get the Autograph Independently Authenticated
If you’re still unsure, you can send the autograph to a third-party authentication service for verification.
Top Authentication Services:
✔️ PSA/DNA Authentication – Trusted for sports memorabilia
✔️ Beckett Authentication (BAS) – Used for trading cards & signatures
✔️ JSA Authentication – Ideal for jerseys, balls, and posters
Conclusion: Protect Yourself & Buy Authentic
Buying sports autographs should be exciting, not stressful! By following these steps, you can avoid scams and ensure your memorabilia is 100% legit.
At Verified Ink, we provide only authentic, verified sports autographs with trusted COAs and holograms.