Scams when trading

Scams in Pokémon card trading are attempts to get money or cards from someone under false pretenses. The collectors' market is large, international and largely based on trust between strangers, which makes it a target for dishonest actors. This entry describes common patterns.

Common patterns

• Counterfeit cards and slabs: cards or graded holders that are not genuine, see counterfeit cards and fake slabs.
• Payment outside the platform: the seller asks for payment directly, for example as a transfer to a "friend", so that buyer protection falls away.
• Item not delivered: the seller receives payment but sends nothing, or gives a tracking number that does not belong to the shipment.
• Item swap: the buyer receives a different or worse card than the one shown, or claims that the parcel was empty or the contents wrong, to get the money back and keep the card.
• Resealed packs: sealed products that have been opened and closed again with contents removed, see resealed and weighed packs.
• Phishing: fake emails, messages or websites posing as a platform or grading company, to obtain login or payment details.
• Hijacked account: an account with a good history is taken over and used to lure buyers.

Warning signs

• A price far below what is usual, especially for sought-after cards.
• Pressure to act quickly or to move the conversation to another app.
• Sellers who will not send more photos, or photos taken from other listings.
• A new account with no history, or a reputation that seems too neat.
• Unusual payment methods, or demands for advance payment without protection.

How collectors protect themselves

• Use the platform's own payment system and messaging so buyer protection applies. See the terms of the platform, for example Cardmarket.
• Ask for photos of the card from both sides, and for slabs a photo of the label with the certificate number.
• Choose tracked shipping, and document the packing when sending or opening an expensive parcel, ideally on video.
• Check the seller's history and reviews.
• Be skeptical of links you receive, and go directly to the platform's website instead.

If something goes wrong

Contact the seller and the platform as soon as possible, and keep conversations, receipts and photos. The payment provider or bank may have its own dispute procedures. If it amounts to fraud, the case can be reported to the police. Fees and charges affecting a return are described in fees and shipping. Platform rules change, so read them with the companies themselves.