Fake Michael Jordan Upper Deck Autographs: When the Cert Number Is Not Enough

This is a collector warning.

Fake Michael Jordan autographs can show up anywhere, including with sellers who have strong feedback and may not even realize what they are holding.

I ran into two eBay listings that looked convincing enough at first glance because both used Upper Deck authentication numbers and both numbers had item-specific photos in the Upper Deck database.

That is exactly why this case matters.

The Two Listings

One seller even presents itself as a serious collectibles/authentication-style business. That broader assortment raises questions, but I will leave that for another post.

The important point here is simpler: both listings used Upper Deck branding, holograms, COAs, and certificate numbers in a way that could make a buyer feel safe too quickly.

Why I Looked Closer

Both sellers also had other inventory that raised red flags, including items that appear to use fake newer PSA-style certificates.

That pushed me to check the Jordan items more carefully instead of stopping at the brand name.

I first checked the certificates through CheckCOA.com and compared them against the available Upper Deck records. Both Upper Deck records showed a specific authenticated item photo. This was not a case where the database image was clearly marked as a stock photo.

At first glance, the eBay items looked close.

On a detailed comparison, they did not match.

BAM25520

For cert BAM25520, the autograph in the eBay listing is not in the same position as the autograph in the Upper Deck photo. The strokes also differ in the key comparison area.

The difference is small enough that a buyer scrolling quickly could miss it. It is also exactly the kind of difference that matters when the database photo is supposed to represent the authenticated item.

The listing also shows Upper Deck-style hologram and COA images for BAM25520.

BAK40730

For cert BAK40730, the same problem appears again.

The autograph on the eBay item is not the same autograph shown in the Upper Deck record. The shape, placement, and internal spacing are different.

The listing also shows an Upper Deck-style COA and hologram for BAK40730.

I Asked Wes From GOAT Authentics

Because Upper Deck is one of the strongest names in modern sports memorabilia, I wanted a specialist opinion before writing this publicly.

I asked Wes from GOAT Authentics a direct question: can a valid Upper Deck database record show the wrong photo if it is not marked as a stock photo?

The answer was practical. Upper Deck, like every company, can have database mistakes. But that is not what he saw here.

Wes confirmed that these are fake autographs, fake Upper Deck holograms, and fake Upper Deck certificates.

The Lesson

Collectors often treat Upper Deck as the final word, and for good reason. It is one of the most trusted authentication brands in basketball memorabilia.

But trust in the brand is exactly why scammers target it.

You cannot stop at:

• the cert number;

• the logo;

• the COA;

• the seller feedback;

• or the fact that the item is listed by a reputable-looking account.

If the authentication company provides an item-specific image, compare the actual item to that image. Not just the number. Not just the player name. Not just the general appearance.

Compare the autograph placement, stroke shape, hologram placement, edition details, and the relationship between all of those details.

If you do not specialize in Michael Jordan or Upper Deck Authenticated memorabilia, get a real expert opinion before spending thousands of dollars.

There are too many traps in this hobby, and the expensive ones often look respectable at first glance.

Verify before you buy: checkcoa.com