Scammers Have Cheated Pokémon Card Collectors Out Of Over RM535,000 Since January
Fake listings of rare cards on Carousell and Facebook are used to lure collectors.
A wave of scams targeting Pokémon trading card collectors in Singapore has resulted in at least 50 victims losing a total of SGD163,000 (RM535,000) since January 2025
Pokémon cards have recently seen a surge in popularity after the release of Pokemon TCG Pocket — a new mobile game.
Taking advantage of the trend, scammers are listing rare and highly sought-after cards on platforms such as Carousell and Facebook, luring in buyers eager to expand their collections.
Once a collector expresses interest, the scammers convince them to continue the conversation on messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp, where transactions take place outside the safety of marketplace platforms.
Screenshots provided by the police show supposed Pokémon card dealers offering SGD1,900 (RM6,243) for a VMAX Climax case and SGD1,300 (RM4,271) for a Surging Sparks set
Buyers, believing they have secured a deal, transfer money via PayNow or bank transfer, only to realise they have been duped when the cards never arrive and the sellers become uncontactable.
Authorities have recorded at least 53 cases this year and are urging collectors to remain cautious.
Collectors are reminded that while the thrill to "catch 'em all" is exciting, it's just as important to catch the red flags
How to avoid falling victim:
- Keep communication within the verified online platform
- Opt for face-to-face transactions when possible
- Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true
- Use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection
- Report suspicious listings and sellers to authorities
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