A Pokémon TCG seller nearly lost $1,500 to a scammer using counterfeit bills, but quick thinking and coordination with local authorities turned the tables—and resulted in the arrest of the perpetrator.
The incident, reported by the Times Colonist, is just the latest in a growing trend of crimes targeting Pokémon TCG card sellers, who have increasingly become victims due to the skyrocketing value of rare cards and set releases. From thefts to scams, the lucrative world of Pokémon cards has brought with it a dark side.
The case unfolded on March 19, when a seller from British Columbia closed a $1,500 deal on Facebook Marketplace with a buyer identifying themselves as “Lovedeep Dhillon.” Suspicion quickly arose after the seller examined the cash: the serial numbers on the bills were all the same, the texture felt wrong, and the holographic security features were easily removable—classic signs of counterfeit money.
While most would have cut their losses, the seller saw an opportunity. The scammer had scheduled a second transaction for an even larger sum: $2,700 worth of additional Pokémon cards. Instead of going it alone, the seller contacted Victoria police, shared the fake currency, and helped arrange a sting.
Buyer Arrested with Over $10,000 in Fake Cash
When the buyer showed up for the second meetup, police were ready and waiting. Authorities arrested the suspect on the spot and seized $10,200 in counterfeit bills. Alongside recovering the stolen Pokémon cards, police also identified and returned items to at least one other victim.
Victoria Police are now asking the public to step forward if they suspect they may have received fake bills or dealt with the same individual. Additional property believed to be purchased with counterfeit cash has also been recovered. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to call the Victoria Police Department at 250-995-7654.
A Growing Concern in the Pokémon TCG Community
As long as the value of Pokémon TCG cards continues to rise, sellers will remain potential targets for scams like this. Experts and police alike recommend taking extra precautions during high-value transactions—such as meeting in public locations or at designated safe zones like police stations, and thoroughly inspecting any cash received for authenticity.
In this case, the scammer’s attempt to double down ultimately led to their capture. But not every story ends so neatly, and sellers are urged to stay vigilant.
