How to spot fake SGC slabs

Sportscard Guaranty. Text-only guide, no grader logos. Every tell links to its public source.

Community and public-source information only. This is not an authentication. Slab Watch is independent and not affiliated with PCGS, NGC, PSA, Beckett (BGS), SGC, CGC or any grading service. Always verify on the grader's official site and contact the grader directly.

Step 1: official cert lookup

https://gosgc.com/cert-code-lookup

Type this address yourself. A matching cert is step one, not proof.

Reported tells

Official lookup

Use SGC's Cert Code Lookup; type the number yourself.

Source

Cert formats

Reported: black labels use a 7-digit number; older green/white labels use an 11-character code with a hyphen (XXXXXXX-XXX).

Source

Deactivated certs

Per a summary of SGC's Terms, SGC may deactivate certs on altered, counterfeit or tampered holders.

Source

Black insert

SGC's Terms reference the black insert inside its holder (per figoca); compare to a known genuine slab.

Source

Case & label

Reported: look for frosting or cracks at edges; label printing should be crisp with no typos.

Source

Alerts for SGC

SGC reserves the right to deactivate certs on altered or counterfeit holders (Reported (secondary summary of SGC Terms))

Run the card checklist Report a suspected fake SGC slab