Counterfeit Magic cards have become increasingly sophisticated over the years, and players rightfully worry about unknowingly acquiring fakes. Scanner apps like Lotus Scan can assist in the identification process, but it is important to understand both their capabilities and their limitations when it comes to detecting counterfeits.

Scanner apps work by comparing a scanned card image against a database of known genuine printings. If a counterfeit has noticeably wrong colors, incorrect fonts, or misaligned borders, the scanner may struggle to match it or return a low confidence result. This can serve as an early warning sign that something is off. Lotus Scan's image-based recognition analyzes artwork details, frame characteristics, and color profiles, which means cards with obviously wrong saturation or blurry text may not scan cleanly.

However, high-quality counterfeits that closely replicate the visual appearance of genuine cards can fool any scanner app. This is where traditional physical tests remain indispensable. The green dot test involves using a jeweler's loupe to examine the green dot in the set symbol or on the back of the card. Genuine cards show a distinct pattern of red, blue, yellow, and black dots arranged in a rosette pattern. Counterfeits typically show a blurry or uniform green instead. The light test involves holding a card up to a bright light source. Genuine Magic cards have a blue core layer that makes them slightly opaque with a faint blue glow, while most counterfeits either let too much light through or block it entirely.

The bend test is another option, though it risks damaging the card. Genuine Magic cards can be gently bent and will spring back to shape, while many counterfeits will crease or stay bent. This test should only be used on cards you are comfortable potentially damaging.

The best approach combines digital and physical methods. Use Lotus Scan to verify that the card matches a known printing in terms of set, artwork, and visual details. Then follow up with the green dot test and light test for any card where you have doubts, especially for high-value purchases from unfamiliar sellers. No single method catches every fake, but layering multiple verification steps significantly reduces your risk.