I was recently informed of a seller selling fake Masters plastic badges from the 1960's and 1970's.  When the value of some of these items vary from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars it was just a matter of time before someone found a way to replicate them. 

Here are a few things to look out for when you purchase Masters badges: (1)  Be careful to not purchase framed items that include badges or flags - it's hard to tell if they are real, replica, or just a photo of the real thing.  (2)  Most of the fake badges for the most part are mint and have no texture.  Those that own Masters badges can see there is a bumpy texture to most pre 1980 badges but that doesn't apply to ones from 1961 thru 1965 unfortunately, primarily because those badges are flat and consist of only two colors which can be replicated easily.  As a result you should be extremely careful when buying from a seller that shows one badge on auction but is offering many for sale.  Another warning sign would be if the actual number of the badges are similar or simply the same digits shown on the photo - it's easy for a digital editor to move the digits around before making the fake badges.  There is one seller currently selling large framed items with badges from 1961 onward - one of the framed items has a light background and the other has a dark background - from my information this was done so the seller can differentiate the one with the real badges and the one with the fake badges, even though he/she is selling them as all real badges.
 
Another tell tale sign of someone selling fakes is the quantity they are selling of these Masters Badges, if you see someone selling more than 1 of the early Masters Badges be wary about their authenticity.  The fact is these early badge come up for auction only once or twice a year and typically from different sellers.  Most of these badges are rarely mint primarily due to their age - if someone offers you New or Mint versions of these badges just keep your guard up and let your common sense be your guide.

In the end, it's one thing to pay a premium on an authentic item but why would you want to pay a premium on a fake.  By not doing your homework and paying that premium price on the replica, all it does is fuel the desire of the seller to keep screwing the public. 

To all readers of my guides, if you do find any of this information useful a "YES" vote at the bottom is always appreciated.  If you don't, you can send me an email and tell me what would help to make this a better guide.  This information is intended to only educate the buyer.

Feel free to email me if you have any questions about my items or another item you see on eBay.