How to Spot Resealed Packs

Nothing beats the thrill of opening a fresh pack of trading cards, hoping to pull that rare, chase card. But what if that pack has been tampered with? Resealed packs are a growing problem in the collector community, and falling victim to this scam can be a major disappointment. Scammers will carefully open packs, remove the valuable cards, and reseal them with the less valuable cards inside. Fortunately, there are several red flags you can look for to avoid getting duped. This guide will walk you through the key signs of a resealed pack, so you can buy with confidence.

What to Look For Before You Buy

The first line of defense against resealed packs is to carefully inspect the packaging before you even make a purchase. Here are some things to keep an eye out for:

• Loose or Wrinkled Wrapping: Factory-sealed products should have tight, clean shrink-wrap. If the wrapping is loose, wrinkled, or has a saggy appearance, it could be a sign that it has been opened and resealed.
• Incorrect Logos or Branding: Scammers will sometimes use off-brand or counterfeit shrink-wrap. Make sure the logos and branding on the wrap match the official product. For example, Wizards of the Coast (for Magic: The Gathering) and The Pokémon Company have specific logos on their shrink-wrap.
• Suspiciously Low Prices: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of sellers offering booster boxes or packs for significantly less than the market price.

Inspecting the Pack Itself

Once you have the pack in hand, there are several more things you can check to determine if it has been resealed:

• The Crimp: The top and bottom of a booster pack are sealed with a crimp. A factory crimp should be clean, even, and consistent. If the crimp is messy, uneven, or looks like it has been flattened and re-crimped, it's a major red flag. You can also compare the crimp to other packs from the same set to see if it matches.
• Glue Residue: This is one of the most obvious signs of a resealed pack. If you see any glue residue on the flaps of the pack, it's almost certain that it has been tampered with. Scammers will often use a small amount of glue to reseal the pack after they have removed the valuable cards.
• Pack Stiffness: A factory-sealed pack should have a certain level of stiffness. If the pack feels flimsy or has an unusual texture, it could be a sign that it has been opened and resealed.
• The "Feel" Test: Experienced collectors can often tell if a pack has been resealed simply by feeling it. This takes some practice, but if something feels "off" about the pack, it's best to trust your gut.

After You've Opened the Pack

Even if a pack looks fine on the outside, there are still a few things you can check after you've opened it to see if it has been tampered with:

• Card Count: Make sure the pack contains the correct number of cards for that particular set. If there are too few or too many cards, it's a sign that the pack has been resealed.
• Card Order: The cards in a booster pack are usually arranged in a specific order (e.g., common, uncommon, rare). If the cards are out of order, it's a good indication that the pack has been searched.

Where to Buy

The best way to avoid resealed packs is to buy from reputable sources. This includes your local game store, major retail chains, or well-known online retailers. Be cautious when buying from third-party sellers on platforms like eBay or Amazon, and always check the seller's feedback and reviews before making a purchase.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your chances of buying a resealed pack. Happy collecting!