{
  "schemaVersion": 2,
  "slug": "how-to-tell-if-pokemon-cards-are-fake",
  "verifiedDate": "2026-08-10",
  "verdictLabels": {
    "multiple_serious_conflicts": "Multiple serious conflicts",
    "expert_review_recommended": "Expert review recommended",
    "unresolved_warning": "Unresolved warning",
    "no_conflicts_found_in_selected_checks": "No conflicts found in selected checks"
  },
  "verdictPolicy": {
    "policyVersion": 2,
    "permittedVerdicts": [
      "multiple_serious_conflicts",
      "expert_review_recommended",
      "unresolved_warning",
      "no_conflicts_found_in_selected_checks"
    ],
    "forbiddenVerdicts": [
      "authentic",
      "genuine",
      "certified",
      "real",
      "fake_probability",
      "authenticity_confidence"
    ],
    "observationStatuses": [
      "not_checked",
      "not_applicable",
      "no_conflict_observed",
      "conflict_observed",
      "inconclusive",
      "unsafe_performed"
    ],
    "precedence": [
      "Two or more uncontraindicated serious conflicts from independent evidence groups produce multiple_serious_conflicts.",
      "One serious conflict, two independent supporting conflicts, an explicit escalation trigger, a suspected altered-genuine assembly, or an unsupported high-value or Japanese legacy item produces expert_review_recommended.",
      "Any remaining warning, inconclusive result, contraindication, unsafe action, context signal, or insufficient coverage produces unresolved_warning.",
      "Only adequate cross-group coverage with no conflicts or unresolved conditions produces no_conflicts_found_in_selected_checks; this is not an authenticity verdict."
    ],
    "minimumNoConflictCoverage": {
      "looseCardIndependentGroups": 3,
      "requiresIdentityGroup": true,
      "requiresPhysicalGroup": true,
      "sealedProductIndependentGroups": 2,
      "japaneseRequiresExactComparator": true,
      "japaneseRequiresLanguageEraControl": true
    },
    "independenceRule": "Multiple rows in the same independenceGroup count once. A no-conflict observation never subtracts from or offsets a conflict.",
    "contraindicationRule": "A contraindicated observation is excluded from conflict counting and creates unresolved uncertainty. It cannot be used as a pass.",
    "destructiveRule": "Bend and rip actions are forbidden, produce no authenticity evidence, and create an unsafe-action warning if performed.",
    "japaneseBoundary": "Japanese cards must be checked against the exact Japanese printing or a same-language, same-era comparator. The official Japanese search opens with a Standard regulation filter; absence there is not a conflict. Older, promotional, uncatalogued, or uncertain Japanese cards require specialist review when an exact comparator is unavailable."
  },
  "evaluator": {
    "module": "scripts/how-to-tell-if-pokemon-cards-are-fake/build-authenticity-library.mjs",
    "export": "evaluateObservations",
    "conflictIndependence": "signal.independenceGroup",
    "numericWeightsUsed": false,
    "noConflictNeverOffsetsConflict": true,
    "homeChecksCanAuthenticate": false
  }
}