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FBI Issues Surprise Official ‘Pokémon’ Trading Card Warning
The FBI has warned Pokémon card shops and vendors in New Jersey about payment scams used to obtain valuable cards without paying. The warning matters because the cards can be quickly resold before shops discover that a payment was made with stolen credit card details.
Seven shops have been targeted. In one scheme, a failed contactless payment is followed by a request to enter card details manually; another uses an app to cycle through stolen card numbers while accomplices distract staff. The FBI also cites robberies and break-ins, and recommends cameras, alarms, panic buttons, extra staff at tills and photo ID for some card payments. Buyers are advised to be cautious with unusually cheap offers and third-party sellers, as counterfeit cards are becoming more convincing.
In short
- FBI warns of Pokémon card payment scams targeting seven shops.
- Fraudsters use stolen card details and distractions to take valuable stock.
- Shops and collectors are urged to take precautions.