How to Spot a Fake Deviant Moon Deck
Posted by Patrick Valenza on
Buyers beware! We get emails every other day on average from folks requesting the Deviant Moon PDF guide because the “QR code printed on the deck is not working”. Our response is always that you have unknowingly purchased a counterfeit deck and you should demand a refund from the seller.”
In the hopes of bringing more awareness to this criminal issue, we want to show you what to look out for regarding fake Deviant Moon Decks.
Please know that this is a widespread problem in the tarot community and it affects nearly all tarot creators. Both small indie creators and prominent publishing houses. I have spoken to quite a few who expressed that they will likely be moving on to other things and will no longer produce their decks, as it is not worth the time and effort to create such work only to have it stolen with no recourse.
For the Deviant Moon fakes, there is the notorious QR code. Authentic decks published by US Games include a proprietary LWB (Little White Booklet)
Also, authentic decks have “Borderless” and my name on the front box. The fakes also omit the US Games logo and ISBN number.
Size is much smaller. Not only are the colors horribly muddy, but the images are squashed to fit on the smaller cards. Check out the Moon and the card backs, for example. An oval moon? Really?
Please, on behalf of the entire tarot community, do not support this garbage. If this continues and more artists cease to create or if new creators are deterred from sharing their gifts, the quality of decks will certainly diminish in the future, leaving mostly cheap products and stale mediocrity.
Thanks, as always, for your support.
Patrick
So sorry your wonderful art is being pirated. It would be great to see the second edition of the Zammer Twins Oracle on linen or matte card stock. I would buy another copy!
Hello I’m realy sorry and didnt know how eles to let you know (if your not already aware) that this deck is being sold on shein 😤 it makes me so mad that they can just do this to people.
Thank you so much for this. When I first got into Tarot and Oracle. I had no idea about fake decks. It wasn’t until I watched people’s videos on YouTube showing the decks that I noticed that mine looked totally different!. I’ve since replaced them all with genuine ones as I want to support the creators of these beautiful decks. Also, as you say they just feel off when you use them. I own just about all of your decks as I love your work so much, and I am more than happy to pay full price knowing that the funds go to the creators behind these truly Amazing decks 💜🌛🌕🌜💜
I wasn’t aware your creations were being bootlegged—and appreciate the heads up. I only purchase from you/your website.
By the way: Posted your post to Facebook.
I’m so glad I saw this: I had a gut feeling about the deck I bought, and after reading your book I began to question the legitimacy of the deck I purchased. Fakers are wising up though (this deck had your name and “Borderless edition” printed on it, but all the other issues you mention are present: when I compared my Moon card to your examples it was obvious).
I wanted to thank you for this article. I have an authentic copy on its way to me now, and the fakes are going to be run through my husband’s paper and card shredder. Thank you so much again!