In today’s global marketplace, it’s easier than ever to buy trading cards, autographs, and sports memorabilia from sellers around the world. One country that often causes concern for collectors is China. The market there is huge—especially for basketball cards and modern collectibles—but it’s also a hotspot for fakes and counterfeits. So how do you know what’s legit and what’s too risky?
Start with Authenticity – No Matter the Country
Before even thinking about where a seller is located, your first concern should be whether the item is authentic. Fakes don’t just come from China—they exist in every country. Your best protection is knowledge and due diligence.
Trusted authentication services include:
- PSA/DNA
- Beckett Authentication Services (BAS)
- JSA (James Spence Authentication)
- Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA)
- Steiner Sports
- Tristar Productions
- Global Authentication (GAI)
- Mounted Memories
- Online Authentics (OA)
If an item includes a certificate of authenticity (COA) from one of these, it’s a good sign—but be careful: even COAs can be faked.
Tip:
→ Use the company’s online database to verify the COA number before trusting it.
→ Compare the label and serial number formatting to known genuine examples.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Even if a listing offers a tempting price, it’s important to stay alert for potential red flags. Blurry or low-resolution photos can be a sign that the seller is trying to hide imperfections or avoid scrutiny. If there’s no certificate of authenticity (COA) included—or if the COA looks generic or suspicious—that’s another major warning sign when buying sports memorabilia from China.
Vague descriptions or generic titles may indicate a lack of knowledge or an attempt to avoid specifics. Also, be cautious if the seller has very few reviews, a newly created account, or a suspiciously low price that’s well below market value. When something feels off, it usually is. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to walk away.
Buying Autographs? Ask These Questions
Autographed memorabilia is especially tricky. Scammers often forge signatures and pair them with low-quality COAs. Before buying sports memorabilia form China,:
Look for:
- A clear image showing the autograph, COA, and entire item
- A detailed description (what was signed, by whom, where on the item)
- Mention of licensed or notarized autographs
- The story of how the item was obtained
Some athletes only sign through exclusive partners like Upper Deck or Fanatics, and those items usually come with official documentation—or even a video of the signing.
Bought a Fake on eBay? Here’s What to Do
If you’ve already bought an item and it turns out to be fake, don’t panic. eBay has a system in place to protect buyers from counterfeit goods.
Important: Do not return a counterfeit item to the seller right away—this could allow them to scam someone else.
Follow these steps when buying:
- Open a return request and select “counterfeit item” as the reason.
- Wait 3 business days for a seller response.
- If unresolved, call eBay and ask to file a counterfeit item claim.
- You may be asked to sign an affidavit promising not to resell the fake.
After that, eBay typically refunds your money without requiring you to send the item back.
Are All Sellers from China Risky?
No. In fact, China has a large and growing collector community, especially in the basketball and Pokémon TCG scenes. Many sellers are legitimate, careful, and passionate about the hobby.
However, there are also bad actors selling:
- Fake PSA/Beckett slabs
- Counterfeit Magic: The Gathering playsets
- Knockoff silver rounds and coins
- Questionable jerseys or prints with mass-produced signatures
That said, scams aren’t exclusive to China—fake items have been sold from all over the world.
Smart Collecting: Trust, But Verify
When buying memorabilia, no matter where it comes from, always:
- Research the seller’s ratings and reviews
- Ask for proof of authenticity
- Compare pricing with similar sold listings
- Use tools like PSA’s Cert Lookup or Beckett’s serial checker
- Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true
Memorabilia collecting is a fun and valuable hobby—but only if you protect yourself along the way.
What You Should Remember About Buying Sports Memorabilia from China
You can absolutely find great deals and authentic collectibles from Chinese sellers, but the burden of verification is always on you. Instead of focusing purely on location, focus on transparency, proof, and seller reputation. Ask questions, do your research, and don’t be afraid to walk away.
Smart collectors don’t get lucky—they get informed.