Over 50 victims duped in Pokémon card scam over last three weeks, losses amount to over S$111k
Pokémon fever is back — but this time, it’s scammers cashing in.
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) issued an urgent warning about a spike in online scams involving Pokémon Trading Cards, revealing that at least 54 victims have lost more than S$111,000 in just the past three weeks.
The fraudsters are using e-commerce platforms like Carousell and Facebook to list rare Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) sets at unbelievable prices, then disappearing with buyers’ money once payment is made.
Too-good-to-be-true Pokémon card deals used to bait victims
In a media release on Monday (20 May), SPF said scammers are capitalising on the high demand for TCG collectables by advertising heavily discounted presale items.
One example was the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet – Destined Rivals Booster Box, which typically retails for about S$2,258 (US$1,750).
Source: TCGPlayer website
A scammer listed it for only S$1,100 – more than S$1,100 off the market price.
In the screenshot provided by SPF, a victim had bought 3 boxes of the product for S$3,300 and never received them.
Pic courtesy of SPF
Once interest is shown, scammers typically ask buyers to shift the conversation to messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram. Victims are then pressured into making the payment via PayNow or bank transfer, after which the seller vanishes without a trace.
This follows a previous scam warning issued in February. SPF reported at least 53 cases involving over S$163,000 in losses from January to early February.
Pic courtesy of SPF
In those instances, victims were also lured by unrealistically low prices for premium cards and asked to pay upfront.
Pic courtesy of SPF
Police urge caution when buying collectables online
Authorities stressed that members of the public should avoid making payments to sellers outside official or trusted platforms.
“Keep communications within the platform and transact in person so that you can inspect the products before making payment,” the statement said.
They added that large discounts paired with pressure to complete deals quickly are classic scam tactics.
Pic courtesy of SPF
To protect themselves, consumers are encouraged to adopt the “ACT Against Scams” measures:
- ADD: Install the ScamShield app and set up security features for payment accounts.
- CHECK: Verify listings and user profiles using official sources such as the ScamShield Helpline (1799) or website.
- TELL: Inform authorities and report suspicious listings through in-app tools on Carousell and Facebook.
If you suspect you’ve been scammed, contact your bank immediately to block any further transactions and file a police report.
Source: ScamShield website
Community vigilance key to stopping scams
SPF emphasised that tackling scams is a shared responsibility.
“Fighting scams is a community effort. Together, we can ACT Against Scams to safeguard our community,” they said in their statement.
For more information or assistance, members of the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799.
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Featured image adapted from Singapore Police Force statement and statement.
