Pokémon TCG Collectors in Singapore Scammed Out of Over S$111,000 Since Early May 2025
Pokémon TCG card collectors in Singapore have been scammed out of over S$111,000 on the upcoming English set Destined Rivals [DRI] as well as other Pokémon TCG products.
In the latest news by The Straits Times, since May 2025 Pokémon card collectors in Singapore have suffered significant financial losses to the tune of more than S$111,000 (~US$86,100) due to a increase in e-commerce scams. Scammers have exploited the popularity of the Pokémon TCG by advertising their products on local online marketplaces. After engaging interested buyers, these scammers often move conversations to private messaging platforms like Telegram or WhatsApp, where they request payments via a mobile app or bank transfers. Once the payment is made, the scammers become uncontactable, leaving buyers without the promised cards.
In screenshots released by the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Pokémon card “dealers” were seen offering a booster box of the upcoming Pokémon TCG set Destined Rivals [DRI], releasing on 30 May 2025, for S$1,650 (~US$1,280). Victims who placed their orders and made payments via an app or bank transfer would only later realize that they had been scammed when the sellers became uncontactable.
It was previously reported that 50 people in Singapore had lost at least a cumulative S$163,000 (~US$126,500) of their money to such scams in January.
In a statement, SPF advised buyers to communicate with sellers solely through online marketplace platforms and to complete transactions in person, allowing them to inspect the item before making any payment.
Where & How to Buy Pokémon TCG in Singapore
With the hype of Pokémon TCG increasing, the number of scam cases in Singapore has been rising in tandem. To prevent yourself from falling victim to such scams, here are some precautions you can take.
Buying from Local Card Stores (LCSs)
Some LCSs offer Pokémon TCG products through platforms such as Shopee and their official websites. You can also place pre-orders through the Telegram groups of trusted local retailers. However, it’s important to take precautionary steps to ensure the store’s credibility before making a purchase. Checking reviews from previous customers and seeking feedback from multiple members in local Facebook groups are generally reliable ways to assess a seller’s reputation.
Buying Pokémon TCG Products on SNKRDUNK
The most reliable and secure way to purchase any Pokémon TCG products is through our SNKRDUNK App. Alongside sneakers and collectibles like POP MART, our team of highly trained experts rigorously authenticates all TCG items using advanced methods such as X-ray screening. To shop with us, you can visit us here. You can also visit the article on How We Authenticate TCG Products to learn more about us.
In other TCG-related news, check out the Destined Rivals GameStop/EB Games/Best Buy Promotional Cards. Alternatively, you can also head over to the SNKRDUNK App via the banner below and find the top trending and latest single cards and boxes.
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