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The Police have arrested a 25-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a series of e-commerce scams involving Pokemon trading cards. 

Since October 2025, the Police have received 35 reports from victims who were allegedly cheated by a seller advertising pre-order sales of limited edition Pokemon trading cards on Carousell, with losses amounting to more than $135,000. After receiving payments via PayNow or bank transfer, the seller would either become uncontactable, or give excuses of failed delivery. 

Through follow-up investigations, officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division established the said seller’s identity and arrested him on 5 February 2026. 

The man will be charged in Court on 7 February 2026 with the offence of cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871. The offence carries an imprisonment term of up to ten years and a fine.

The Police take a serious stance against any person who may be involved in scams, and perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Since 1 October 2025, there have been at least 609 cases of e-commerce scams involving the sale of Pokemon trading cards reported, with total losses amounting to at least $1.1 million. From 30 December 2025, scammers and members or recruiters of scam syndicates will face mandatory caning of at least 6 strokes, which can go up to 24 strokes.

The Police would like to remind members of the public that anyone found to be linked to such crimes will be held accountable. At the same time, members of the public are advised to take the following precautions when making online purchases:

1. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Purchase only from authorised sellers or reputable sources, especially for high-value items.
   
   
2. Opt for buyer protection by using in-built payment options that release payment to the seller only upon delivery. Whenever possible, avoid making advance payments or direct bank transfers to the seller as this method does not offer any protection.
   
   
3. Scammers may entice buyers to contact them directly through messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, WeChat or Telegram by offering a better or faster deal if bank transfer payments are made directly to them. They may also use a local bank account or provide a copy of a NRIC/driver’s license to make you believe that they are genuine sellers. Do not fall for it!

For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799. Anyone with information on such scams may call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness.

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