Pokémon Card Scams That Will Steal Your Money!
Pokémon cards are awesome, but not everyone plays fair. Some people will try to trick you into buying fake cards or trading your good ones for bad deals. But don’t worry—we’re here to help!
Here are some of the most common Pokémon card scams and easy ways to avoid getting tricked.
❌ 1. Fake Pokémon Cards
The Trick:
You find a really cool, rare Pokémon card for super cheap. But when you get it, something feels wrong—the colors are off, the card feels weird, and it even smells like a new book (that’s a sign of fake ink!).
🛡 How to Stay Safe:
✔️ Compare it to a real card—does it look the same?
✔️ Hold it up to a flashlight—real Pokémon cards don’t let light through!
✔️ If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is!
❌ 2. "Trust Me" Trades
The Trick:
Someone online wants to trade cards. They say, “You send yours first, then I’ll send mine!” But after you send your card, they disappear! 😡
🛡 How to Stay Safe:
✔️ Only trade with people you know and trust.
✔️ Use a middleman (a trusted person who holds both cards before trading).
✔️ Ask for proof—get a video of them holding the card with today’s date.
❌ 3. Opened & Resealed Booster Packs
The Trick:
You buy a sealed Pokémon pack, hoping for something awesome. But when you open it, it’s just common cards and energy—someone already opened it, took the good cards, and resealed it! 😱
🛡 How to Stay Safe:
✔️ Buy from trusted stores—not random people online.
✔️ Check the edges of the pack—if the glue looks weird, don’t buy it!
✔️ If the price is way cheaper than normal, be careful!
❌ 4. Fake Graded Cards (PSA, CGC, BGS)
The Trick:
Someone is selling a PSA 10 Charizard, but when you look closer, the case looks weird. The sticker might be fake, or the card inside is actually a lower grade.
🛡 How to Stay Safe:
✔️ Look up the PSA number online—if it doesn’t match, it’s a scam!
✔️ Buy from real grading companies like PSA, CGC, or BGS.
✔️ Ask for a video—real graded cases reflect light a certain way.
❌ 5. Mystery Box Scams
The Trick:
A seller says, “Buy this mystery box, and you might get a rare Charizard!” But when you open it, it’s just random bulk cards and disappointment. 😞
🛡 How to Stay Safe:
✔️ If they don’t show real winners, it’s probably fake.
✔️ Buy official mystery boxes, not ones from random sellers.
✔️ If they say “No refunds!” be extra careful!
❌ 6. Fake Pokémon Stores Online
The Trick:
You find a website selling super cheap Pokémon cards. You pay, and… nothing happens. The website disappears, and so does your money. 😤
🛡 How to Stay Safe:
✔️ Google the store’s name + "scam" before buying.
✔️ Make sure the site has real reviews from real people.
✔️ If they only accept weird payments (like gift cards or Venmo), don’t trust them!
🚦 Final Thoughts: Play It Safe!
Scammers are out there, but you can outsmart them!
✅ Always check before buying.
✅ Ask questions—real sellers won’t mind!
✅ If it sounds too good to be true, IT IS!
Have you ever seen a scam before? Tell us about it in the Beacon! Let’s help keep Pokémon TCG safe & fun for everyone! 🛡✨