A high-profile Pokémon TCG marketplace scam in Thailand has defrauded multiple buyers out of significant sums, including one child who lost over $30,000 USD. The widespread fraudulent activity comes as the physical trading card game experiences unprecedented consumer demand fueled by high-value expansions like Prismatic Evolutions and Ascended Heroes, alongside ongoing 30th-anniversary product releases.

Formal reports filed with the Bangkok Economic Crime Suppression Division detail how an 11-year-old collector transferred 1,000,000 baht (approximately $30,500 USD) to an online seller operating under the alias "Mr Mor." The transaction was conducted via Facebook for a rare card that was never delivered, after which the seller ceased communication and deactivated the social media profile.

Additional victims have come forward to report identical experiences with the same fraudulent vendor. According to law enforcement filings, at least 25 individuals were targeted, with the seller initially fulfilling smaller orders to build reputation before accepting large payments for premium cards, attributing shipping delays to customs issues, and ultimately deleting the account.

Escalating secondary market prices have made the hobby an increasingly frequent target for fraudulent schemes and aggressive scalping. Popular sets like Ascended Heroes feature chase cards—including Special Illustration Rare printings of Mega Gengar ex and Pikachu ex—that regularly command secondary market prices exceeding $1,000 USD.

Official product releases will continue throughout 2026 despite market volatility, headlined by the upcoming 30th Celebration set featuring stamped historical reprints. The Pokémon Company is also preparing to close out the year with its November expansion, Delta Reign, which introduces Mega Rayquaza alongside additional Mega Evolution mechanics originating from Pokémon Legends: Z-A.