eBay Will Be Authenticating Trading Cards Because Of Logan Paul
Whether you believe the scandal was a publicity stunt or not, Logan Paul's fake Pokémon cards have caused shockwaves across the industry.
28th Jan 2022 13:40
Image Credit: eBay | YouTube | Logan Paul
eBay has announced that it will be expanding its Authenticity Guarantee for trading cards. The news comes after YouTuber Logan Paul sent shockwaves across the industry when he discovered he had spent $3.5 million on a case of fake Pokémon cards.
For those who aren't familiar with the scandal, back in December 2021, Pokémon enthusiast Logan Paul announced that he had spent a whopping $3.5 million on an unopened case of first-edition Pokémon cards. However, in a dramatic turn of events, it was revealed that Paul had been duped as the case was actually filled with G.I. Joe trading cards.
The incident proved particularly explosive given how the case had been officially authenticated by the Baseball Card Exchange (BBCE). As trading cards continue to rack up in value on bidding sites, eBay are helping to put both seller and consumer minds at rest by including the cards in its Authenticity Guarantee.
eBay Announces It Will Authenticate Trading Cards From Now On
On January 25, eBay took to Twitter to announce that it will now be authenticating any high-value trading cards that are put for sale through the site. The bidding giant stated that the process will be carried out by "third-party professional authenticators" i.e. CGC Trading Cards and Certified Sports Guaranty. Authentication will also have no added cost for the seller.
Going into further detail about the move on its website, eBay explained: "Authenticity Guarantee is available for ungraded sports trading cards, collectible card games, and non-sports trading cards $750 and above." So, both Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG cards will be available for authentication. However, there are some limitations to the new rule. For example, only single cards can be part of the guarantee. Whereas, card packs, boxes and sets won't be supported.
The way the process works is that sellers who are looking to make a trading card purchase will need to look for products with the "blue Authenticity Guarantee checkmark." The seller then sends the card to a facility where it is "verified and authenticated through a multi-point inspection process and receives a tamper-proof sticker and a QR code confirming the authentication." Finally, it is shipped directly from the authenticator to the seller, who will need to sign for the product upon delivery.
Has Logan Paul Responded To eBay's Announcement?
As of writing, Logan Paul has not responded to eBay's announcement. Although, he will definitely be relieved of the news given his disappointment after the scandal surrounding his fake case of Pokémon cards. In an interview with IMPAULSIVE after the drama, Paul expressed his frustration with the purchase. Especially, how it had been authenticated by the BBCE, a reputable verification company, even though the case itself was never opened. However, Paul explained that, more than anything, the event was just "so sad" for the Pokémon community.
Whether or not you believe the whole story was a publicity scam by Paul, there can be no denying that it has had some effect on eBay's decision to make the trading card marketplace a safe space for all.
About The Author
Emma Hill
Emma Hill is a former Junior Journalist at GGRecon.
