Bytager the publication "Counterfeiting of sports items is becoming more sophisticated, as is Catawiki's expertise"
In 2024, hundreds of counterfeit sports items were uncovered by Catawiki experts in France. Discover the most common counterfeiting techniques and how to spot them.
In the world of sports collectibles, passion often meets lust, and with it, counterfeiting.. Catawiki, the leading online auction house, reveals unprecedented data on fake sports memorabilia, revealing the sophisticated methods used by counterfeiters and the tools deployed to protect collectors.
In 2024, more than 10% of sports items offered for auction in France on Catawiki were rejected due to authenticity issues.Signed jerseys, racing helmets or legendary match balls: counterfeits are multiplying, driven by the rise in the value of these unique pieces and the craze for limited editions.
Counterfeiting techniques deciphered
Ana Maria Covrig, sports goods expert at Catawiki, bytagand the most common methods used by counterfeiters:
- Forged signatures Counterfeit autographs mimic the style, stroke order, and even pen pressure. To the naked eye, a signed jersey or ball may appear authentic. However, using digital tools, experts can spot anomalies, such as breakpoints in the signature, that indicate a fake.
- Fake Certificates of Authenticity (COA) : Fraudulent certificates, sometimes with seemingly valid serial numbers, deceive buyers. Identifying these fakes requires a thorough analysis of certification processes, a key skill for Catawiki experts.
- Fake photos Counterfeiters don't hesitate to retouch images to show an athlete signing an object. Artificial shadows, altered positions, or suspicious sharpness: these manipulations are detected by careful examination, often supplemented by verification with brands or clubs.
The preferred targets of counterfeiters
Counterfeits focus on items with high emotional or cultural value, including:
- ICONS and Upper Deck certificates.
- Branded jerseys like Nike, Adidas or Puma.
- Racing helmets presented as authentic.
- The modified combinations to resemble those of famous pilots.
- Memories related to champions active or recently retired.
« As soon as an athlete makes headlines, fakes flood in. “, explains Ana Maria Covrig. “ For example, after a finals or a milestone anniversary, such as the 40th anniversary of Michael Jordan's first game, we saw fake game tickets appearing within just a few days. »
How to protect yourself from counterfeits?
To avoid pitfalls, Catawiki recommends buying through reliable platforms., where every item is rigorously authenticated. At Catawiki, experts combine advanced technology and expert knowledge to examine signatures, certificates, and provenance before any auction. Nothing replaces human expertise supported by precise tools " insists Ana Maria Covrig.
Key tip: favor marketplaces reconnaked and avoid unverified sellers to guarantee the authenticity of your sporting treasures.
With the rise of counterfeits, vigilance and expertise remain the best assets for passionate collectors. Thanks to platforms like Catawiki, sports history remains in good hands.
