In Reply to "Counterfeit Cards" here are my tips on Counterfeit avoiding.
Look through these tips on how to avoid Counterfeits, and you won't have to
worry about anybody trying to give you a fake Charizard for 50 bucks...

1.) Writing/Font- Most obvious flaw in Counterfeits. Most Counterfeits would
have fuzzy writing, the reason is because when they scan the aunthentic cards
through a processing machine, the words sometimes gets fuzzy during the
operation. Also you'll see some cards with the wrong font.

2.) Thickness- WotC processes their cards in a 3-ply layer. Most counterfeits
would be in 2-ply. With only 2-ply layers, you'd be able to see through the
cards itself. If you ever go to a swap-meet and they sell cards, telling
they're real, look at one, hold it up to the sun or a light source and make
sure u not scraping $40 outta your wallet for a Blastoise. Counterfeiters
don't always produce their cards in 3-ply, it is far to expensive for
Secondary marketers such as them. Note: the extra ply layer is a big black
layer, if you tear up a card, you could see the black. Though, i'm not
encouraging everybody rip their Pokemon cards up =).

3.) Color- Counterfeit cards would have a different color from their original
counterparts. You could tell it easily from the authentic card and the
counterfeit; the counterfeit's supposedly blue color will have a slight tint
of purple in it, etc.

4.) Common Sense- When looking around at swap meets, always use common sense.
Don't buy an Unlimited Edition Machamp, there is no such card. Also if a
seller is selling a 1st. Edition Charizard for $10, the card is probably most
likely a Counterfeit. Always check the card first, or if you're going for a
duplicate of a card you already have, bring it with you to compare.

Personally, I'd recommend trading with your friends or buying packs. Well
that's all the advice for avoiding Counterfeits I've got for you today!