How to Tell If a Pokémon Booster Box Is Resealed (Avoid Getting Scammed)
With Pokémon card prices skyrocketing, resealed booster boxes are becoming a huge problem. Scammers are getting better at faking shrink wrap, reusing boxes, and even filling packs with fake cards.
If you’re buying a vintage or modern sealed Pokémon booster box, here’s how to check for tampering before you spend your hard-earned cash.
🚨 1. Check the Shrink Wrap for Authentic Logos
- Real Pokémon booster boxes have shrink wrap with logos printed directly on the plastic (for newer sets).
- Fake or resealed boxes often use generic shrink wrap with no Pokémon branding.
- If the wrap feels loose, bubbled, or re-glued, it’s a red flag.
Tip: If you’re buying a set older than EX-era, those were not originally shrink-wrapped, so be extra careful.
🏷️ 2. Inspect the Box Edges for Re-Taping
- Sealed boxes are machine-sealed, so they should never have extra tape.
- Resealed boxes often have tape along the bottom or sides where they were re-glued.
- If you see sloppy seals, flaps that look opened, or glue residue, be cautious.
📦 3. Compare the Weight (If Possible)
- Legit booster boxes have a consistent factory weight—scammers sometimes swap out heavy packs to remove good pulls.
- If possible, compare the weight of your box to a known authentic version.
General guide for factory weights:
| Set | Factory Sealed Weight |
|---|---|
| Base Set | ~800g |
| EX-Era Boxes | ~720g |
| Sun & Moon | ~790g |
| Sword & Shield | ~800g |
> Significant weight differences could indicate tampered packs inside.
🧐 4. Look Inside the Box (If You Already Bought It)
If you already own the box, but something feels off:
- Check the pack arrangement – Pokémon booster boxes have a specific factory layout. If the packs are randomly placed or messy, that’s suspicious.
- Inspect the pack crimping – Legitimate Pokémon packs have a strong, even crimp at the top and bottom. Fake packs often have loose, weak crimps.
- Look for re-sealing signs on the pack edges – If there’s extra glue, misaligned folds, or heat-sealed edges that don’t match, the packs were likely tampered with.
🛒 5. Where to Buy Safe, Sealed Booster Boxes
If you’re buying a booster box, stick to trusted sources:
- eBay (with authenticity guarantee)
- TCGPlayer (verified sellers)
- Local game stores (LGS)
- Reputable auction houses (Goldin, Heritage, PWCC)
> Avoid random Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist sellers offering “cheap deals.” Most are too good to be true.
🎯 Final Thought
With Pokémon prices at all-time highs, scammers are more motivated than ever to reseal and tamper with boxes. Learning how to spot fakes early will save you thousands—and keep your collection safe.
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