5 ways to spot a fake Japanese auction sheet

Updated July 14, 2026 · 5 min read

A pretty auction sheet means nothing if it's been Photoshopped. Here's how to sanity-check one — and why only source verification is conclusive.

1. Mismatched fonts or alignment. Edited grades and mileage often use a slightly different font, weight or baseline than the rest of the sheet.
2. The grade doesn't match the damage map. A 'Grade 5' with multiple W3 repair marks is a contradiction — the number was likely changed.
3. Mileage that's too good. Suspiciously low km for the year is the classic edited field. Cross-check against wear in the interior grade.
4. Blurry or cropped regions. Fakers blur the lot number, auction name or date so the sheet can't be traced.
5. No chassis number, or one that doesn't match the car. The chassis number ties the sheet to the record — if it's missing or wrong, walk away.

New to reading sheets? Start with how to read a Japanese auction sheet. Ready to confirm authenticity? Follow how to verify by chassis number.