Authenticity Policy

Last updated: January 13, 2026

CTCGX is committed to maintaining a marketplace free of counterfeit products. This policy outlines seller responsibilities, buyer protections, and our approach to handling authenticity concerns.

1. Seller Responsibility

Sellers are fully responsible for the authenticity of every item they list and sell on CTCGX. By listing an item, you represent and warrant that:

• The item is genuine and not counterfeit, fake, or a replica
• The item has not been altered, reprinted, or modified in a way that misrepresents its authenticity
• You have verified the authenticity to the best of your ability before listing
• The listing accurately describes the item, including any relevant details about its origin or provenance

2. Prohibited Items

The following items are strictly prohibited on CTCGX:

• Counterfeit cards: Cards manufactured to imitate authentic products without authorization
• Proxy cards: Unauthorized reproductions, regardless of labeling
• Resealed products: Sealed products that have been opened and resealed to appear factory-sealed
• Altered cards: Cards modified to appear as different, more valuable cards (e.g., fake signatures, altered holofoil)
• Misrepresented items: Items described as authentic when they are test prints, samples, or promotional reproductions

3. Buyer Protections

3.1 Inspection Period

Buyers have 2 days from the delivery date for tracked shipments, or 14 days from the ship date for untracked shipments, to inspect items and report authenticity concerns. This period allows reasonable time for examination without requiring buyers to verify before the seller is paid.

3.2 Reporting Concerns

If you believe you received a counterfeit item, you should:

• Contact the seller directly through our messaging system to discuss your concerns
• Provide clear photos showing why you believe the item is not authentic
• If you cannot resolve it directly, open a formal dispute through your order page. Sellers have 3 days to respond before automatic escalation.

3.3 Dispute Resolution

When an authenticity dispute is opened, CTCGX will review the evidence provided by both parties. We may consider:

• Photos of the item showing suspected counterfeit indicators
• Comparison with authentic product references (weight, texture, print quality, rosette patterns, light test results)
• The seller's transaction history and reputation
• Third-party authentication opinions if provided

3.4 Refund Eligibility

If CTCGX determines that an item is counterfeit, the buyer is entitled to a full refund including original shipping costs. The seller may be required to cover return shipping or forfeit the item, depending on the circumstances.

4. Seller Consequences

Sellers who list or sell counterfeit items may face the following consequences:

• First violation (unintentional): Warning, mandatory removal of affected listings, potential temporary suspension
• Repeat violations: Extended suspension and mandatory review of all active listings
• Intentional counterfeiting: Immediate permanent ban and forfeiture of pending payouts

We reserve the right to report suspected counterfeiting to relevant intellectual property holders and law enforcement authorities.

5. Authentication Tips for Sellers

To avoid accidentally listing counterfeit items, we recommend:

• Know your source: Purchase from reputable distributors, game stores, or collectors with established track records
• Learn the tells: Familiarize yourself with common counterfeit indicators for the games you sell (rosette pattern, card stock, foil quality, etc.)
• Use the light test: Authentic cards from most TCGs have a blue or black layer visible when held up to bright light
• Compare to known authentics: Keep authentic reference cards to compare against questionable items
• When in doubt, don't list: If you cannot verify authenticity, do not list the item

6. Authentication Tips for Buyers

To protect yourself when purchasing:

• Buy from sellers with established positive feedback and transaction history
• Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true, especially for high-value cards
• Ask the seller about the item's provenance if purchasing high-value items
• Inspect items promptly upon receipt
• Report concerns within the protection window (2 days for tracked, 14 days for untracked)

7. Limitations

While we take authenticity seriously, please note:

• CTCGX does not independently authenticate items before they are sold
• We are not experts in detecting counterfeits for all trading card games and products
• Our dispute resolution is based on available evidence and may not catch all counterfeits
• Third-party professional authentication (e.g., PSA, BGS, CGC) is the most reliable verification method for high-value cards

8. Reporting Counterfeit Sellers

If you believe a seller is knowingly listing counterfeit items, please contact us with details. We investigate all reports and take appropriate action to protect the marketplace.

9. Contact

For questions about this policy or to report authenticity concerns, please use our contact form.