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With the upcoming release of new Pokémon trading card sets, such as “Mega Evolution – Ascended Heroes” in January 2026, the Police would like to remind members of the public to stay vigilant against e-commerce scams involving the sale of Pokémon trading cards. Since October 2025, at least 477 cases were reported with total losses amounting to at least $958,000.

In this scam variant, victims would encounter pre-order listings of Pokémon trading cards on online platforms such as Carousell. When victims express interest in the products, the scammers would convince victims to make initial deposits via PayNow or bank transfers to pre-order the products. Victims only realise that they were scammed when they fail to receive the products, or when the sellers become uncontactable.

We would like to remind members of the public to only purchase Pokémon Trading Cards from authorised sellers on online platforms and physical retail stores. When purchasing any products through e-commerce platforms, always use secure payment methods such as cash on delivery so that you can inspect the products before making payment. Do not make any payment prior to receiving or inspecting the products. Be wary of e-commerce scam red flags such as large discounts offered for faster transactions. Do not transfer money or disclose your personal information, internet banking credentials, or one-time passwords to anyone.

Members of the public are encouraged to adopt the following crime prevention measures:

1. ADD – the ScamShield App and set security features (e.g., enable two-factor (2FA) or multifactor authentication for bank accounts and set transaction limits on internet banking transactions. Add a Money Lock feature to further secure savings in bank accounts from scams).
   
   
2. CHECK – the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam. You can also check the legitimacy of suspicious phone numbers, messages and website links through the ScamShield App.
   
   
3. TELL – the authorities as well as your family and friends if or when you encounter scams. Report any suspicious listing or user profile through an in-app reporting function within Carousell. Initiate in-app blocking within these platforms to block unwanted communication by suspicious users. If you suspect that you have fallen victim to a scam, call your bank immediately to report and block any fraudulent transactions as well as make a police report. 

For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg. Fighting scams is a community effort. Together, we can ACT Against Scams to safeguard our community!


Annex A

Screenshots of conversations and payment provided