The FBI’s Newark office has warned stores selling Pokémon cards and collectibles about a series of fraud and theft incidents that caused significant financial losses. Seven businesses in New Jersey were targeted between September 2025 and March 2026, according to the agency.
In some cases, suspects allegedly used stolen bank cards to buy high-value products and resell them before the fraud was discovered. The FBI also reported break-ins, staff distractions used to facilitate thefts, and attacks on vendors at events.
The agency recommends asking for photo identification when a card number is entered manually and disabling manual card entry when possible. It also advises retailers to keep expensive cards and products in locked display cases, secure them between customer interactions, install security measures such as cameras and alarms, and have multiple employees behind the counter to reduce the risk of distraction-based theft.
The FBI asks stores to report attempted or completed thefts to police. Victims should call 911 immediately. They can also contact the FBI’s Newark office at 973-792-3000 or submit a tip through tips.fbi.gov.
Sources: Nintenderos.