Pokémon card listing scams and how to avoid them in 2026

Pokémon turns 30 this year. Three decades of games, shows, trading cards, plush toys, figurines, limited-edition drops, and collectibles. Pokémon Day on February 27 will likely drive a surge in online shopping and collector goodies.

Key Findings: What Pokémon fans need to know in 2026

• At least 477 cases of Pokémon trading card scams have been reported since October 2025, with losses totaling at least $958,000. Authorities in Singapore warned that scammers are exploiting excitement around new set releases.
• Pre-order scams are a major risk during launches. Buyers pay deposits or full amounts and never receive the product.
• Tactics that create a sense of urgency are central to these scams. Limited stock claims and countdown pressure are used to rush decisions.
• Unprotected payments dramatically increase your risk. Bank transfers, crypto payments, and off-platform deals remove buyer protection safeguards.

What’s your favorite Pokémon? Pikachu? Charizard? Eevee? Maybe you grew up trading cards on the playground. Maybe you are just starting your collection now.

But here is the key question – if you want to catch them all, how do you avoid catching a fake?

With the release of new Pokémon trading card sets such as “Mega Evolution – Ascended Heroes” in January 2026, authorities have already warned the public to watch out for e-commerce scams involving Pokémon trading cards. Since October 2025, at least 477 scam cases have been reported, with losses amounting to at least $958,000.

And it is not just trading cards.

Scammers are targeting buyers searching for:

• Limited-edition anniversary merchandise
• Rare graded cards
• Sealed booster boxes
• Pokémon plush toys
• Figurines and collectibles
• Online Pokémon-themed rewards and digital items

So before you click “Buy Now,” let’s walk through what you need to know.

Why do Pokémon scams increase during anniversary hype?

The 30-year celebration, combined with new trading card releases like “Mega Evolution—Perfect Order,” (to be release on March 27, 2026) creates a perfect storm:

• Buyers fear missing out
• Collectors rush to secure pre-orders
• Resellers inflate prices
• Scammers insert fake listings into the chaos

Law enforcement advisories specifically highlight how scammers create e-commerce listings for high-demand Pokémon trading cards, collect payments, and then disappear.

What are the most common Pokémon scams right now

1. Pre-order scams

You see a listing for a new set before release. The seller promises guaranteed allocation. The price seems fair, and you decide to make the payment. On release day, you get no tracking number and the seller disappears.

2. Fake marketplace listings

Scammers often:

• Create new seller accounts
• Post rare or graded cards slightly below market value
• Accept multiple payments
• Delete the account

If the price feels like a lucky break, pause and verify.

3. Counterfeit or fake graded cards

Some scams involve actual delivery, but the item is fake.

Warning signs include:

• Incorrect fonts
• Poor print alignment
• Unusual holo shine
• Thin card stock
• Fake grading cases mimicking well-known authentication companies

In past cases of fraud, counterfeit cards were inserted into fake graded slabs and sold as premium collectibles.

4. Fake Pokémon merchandise and anniversary collectibles

Scams are not limited to cards.

You may encounter fake listings for:

• Limited anniversary plush toys
• Exclusive figurines
• Convention-only merchandise
• Signed memorabilia
• High-value sealed collector boxes

5. Pokémon-themed phishing

Some scams use the Pokémon brand to steal credentials instead of money directly.

Examples include:

• Fake reward emails
• Limited drop notifications
• Account verification messages
• Suspicious download links

Clicking can lead to stolen logins or malware infections.

What should you check before paying?

Let’s go step by step.

Step 1: Research the Seller

Ask:

• How long has this account existed?
• Are reviews detailed and realistic?
• Is the seller suddenly listing many high-value items?

A brand-new account selling expensive collectibles should be carefully scrutinized.

Step 2: Stay on the platform

If the seller says:

• “Message me on WhatsApp.”
• “Let’s move to Telegram.”
• “I can give you a discount if we do this outside the platform.”

That removes your protection.

Stay within official marketplace systems where disputes can be filed.

Step 3: Request proof photos

Ask for:

• A handwritten note with today’s date
• Your username placed next to the card
• Close-up shots of edges and corners

Step 4: Compare market prices

Search recent sold listings. If you see inconsistencies and huge discount on cards that recently sold for more than half what the seller is asking for it’s likely a scam.

Step 5: Use protected payment methods

Avoid:

• Direct bank transfers
• Crypto payments to unknown sellers
• Unprotected peer-to-peer transfers

Use payment options that allow disputes or chargebacks if the item never arrives.

If the seller refuses protected payment, walk away.

How can you tell if a Pokémon card is fake

If you already have the card, here are practical checks.

The official Pokémon support page says:

“Counterfeit cards are often easy to see through if you hold them up to a bright light, so this is a good way to identify a fake. Alternatively, you may want to see if there are shops in your area that specialize in trading cards and may be able to evaluate potentially counterfeit cards for you.”

You can also check the official Pokémon trading card game reseller list here.

Compare with a verified card

Place a confirmed authentic card next to it.

Look at:

• Font sharpness
• Energy symbol clarity
• Border thickness
• Color consistency

Small differences often reveal fakes

Inspect edges and texture

Check for:

• Rough cutting
• Gloss differences
• Washed-out color

If anything feels off, consult a reputable hobby shop for verification.

What should you do if you already paid a scammer

Act immediately.

1. Save all screenshots, messages, and receipts.
2. Open a dispute with the marketplace.
3. Contact your bank or payment provider about chargeback options.
4. Report the seller to the platform.
5. File a report with local authorities if the loss is significant.

Fast action increases your recovery chances.

How to stay safe

You do not need to stop collecting. You just need to slow down and verify.

Before buying, ask:

• Does this seller have a track record?
• Am I protected if the item does not arrive?
• Have I verified authenticity?
• Am I being rushed into this decision?

If you ever receive suspicious Pokémon-related messages, listings, or links, you can use Bitdefender Scamio to analyze questionable content before acting:

You can also verify suspicious URLs using Bitdefender Link Checker before clicking