In 2025, the Singapore Police Force observed a worrying rise in a new form of job fraud that has cost victims tens of thousands of dollars. At least 51,000 Singapore dollars was lost this year by individuals who were lured by job offers that appeared legitimate but were in fact part of an elaborate scam disguised around Pokémon trading cards. This unusual twist on job fraud highlights how scammers adapt rapidly to capture public interest, using popular culture to build trust and lure victims into financial loss.
The proliferation of online job opportunities and the global appeal of Pokémon collectibles created fertile ground for fraudsters. Scam victims were led to believe they were applying for lucrative positions related to buying and selling Pokémon cards when in reality they were being manipulated by criminals seeking personal information and money. This article explores the mechanics of these scams, real-world examples, red flags to watch out for, and steps you can take to protect yourself and others.
What Is a Job Scam?
A job scam is a fraudulent scheme in which an individual or group advertises what appears to be a legitimate job opportunity with the intention of defrauding applicants. These scams often involve convincing narratives about remote work, high salaries and flexible hours. The goal is to obtain money, personal data or access to financial accounts from desperate job seekers or enthusiasts of certain hobbies.
Traditionally, job scams might ask applicants to pay upfront for training, tools or verification fees. Increasingly, they also involve “work from home” schemes that promise easy earnings but require victims to transfer funds or share sensitive information. In the context of Pokémon trading card scams, fraudsters leveraged the popular hobby to make their offers seem appealing and credible, drawing in individuals who were both unemployed and passionate about collectibles.
The Pokémon Card Job Scam Phenomenon
The Pokémon franchise, beloved by millions worldwide, has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Trading cards that were once considered children’s playthings now sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars on secondary markets. This has created a vibrant ecosystem of collectors and traders, and unfortunately, scammers have taken notice.
In Singapore this year, fraudsters advertised opportunities purportedly involving Pokémon card trading. These opportunities were framed as legitimate jobs where applicants could earn money by sourcing and reselling rare Pokémon cards, managing online listings or organising trading events. The postings were often shared on social media, messaging groups and online forums dedicated to Pokémon enthusiasts, making them appear authentic to people with a genuine interest in the hobby.
To add credibility, scam adverts frequently used professional-sounding language, purported testimonials, and seemingly legitimate business pages. They might even include sample job descriptions, flashy logos or fake business listings. By aligning the scam with a hobby that has real monetary value, fraudsters were able to erode scepticism and encourage victims to engage with them.
Real Cases in Singapore
According to a report by The Straits Times, police reported that job scams linked to Pokémon trading cards had resulted in at least S$51,000 in losses this year. While the total number of victims is uncertain, this figure represents only the cases that were formally reported. Many other individuals may have been targeted but did not come forward, either due to embarrassment or not recognising that they had been scammed until it was too late.
Victims commonly reported that after expressing interest in the job, they were asked to make advance payments. These payments were typically described as fees for “training”, “verification”, “account activation” or “purchase of starter card inventories”. In some cases, they were instructed to deposit money into bank accounts controlled by the scammer before any work had begun.
One victim told authorities that they were asked to invest hundreds of dollars into purchasing Pokémon card inventory that was allegedly in high demand. After transferring the payment, communication with the fraudster abruptly stopped, and the promised job never materialised. By the time the victim contacted the bank and attempted to trace the funds, the accounts had been emptied.
(source:https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/at-least-51000-lost-to-job-scams-linked-to-pokemon-trading-cards-this-year)
How These Scams Work
Understanding the mechanics of Pokémon themed job scams helps to demystify how fraudsters capture their victims. These scams usually follow a predictable pattern:
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Initial Contact
Scammers post attractive job adverts on social platforms or messaging apps. These posts are crafted to appeal to enthusiasts, often referencing popular Pokémon terms like “rare cards”, “exclusive trades” and “high profits”.
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Building Trust
Once a victim expresses interest, the scammer engages in friendly, professional communication to build credibility. They may provide fake credentials or fabricated success stories to reassure the applicant.
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Requesting Payment or Information
The scammer asks for a fee or personal information to “secure the position”, “activate an account” or “purchase initial stock”. This may involve bank transfers, e-wallet transactions or sharing identification details.
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Disappearance
After the victim sends money or data, the scammer cuts off all contact. The phone number may be disconnected, the social media account deleted and any purported website may vanish.
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Use of Intermediaries and Complex Routing
In more sophisticated operations, fraudsters use multiple accounts, shell companies and payment channels to make tracking harder.
These staged steps keep the scam looking professional until it is too late for the victim to intervene.
Why People Fall for Pokémon Card Job Scams
Job seekers are a naturally vulnerable group. The combination of unemployment or under employment and the allure of a perceived niche job in a hobby they enjoy can cloud judgement. Several factors contribute to the success of these scams:
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Emotional Appeal
Linking job offers to a beloved hobby makes the offer feel personal and attractive. People may be less cautious when the job relates to something they enjoy.
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Authority and Social Proof
Scammers often imitate legitimate language, use professional formatting, and even create fake testimonials to simulate credibility.
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Fear of Missing Out
Offers that suggest exclusivity or a limited opportunity can pressure individuals into quick decisions without thorough checks.
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Technological Manipulation
Fake websites, cloned business pages and spoofed email addresses all contribute to a convincing facade. Understanding these psychological levers helps individuals recognise when they are being manipulated.
Signs That a Job Offer Could Be a Scam
While scammers are increasingly sophisticated, there are still clear red flags that can help you spot a potential scam:
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Unsolicited contact out of nowhere with no prior application
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Fees requested upfront for training or verification
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Poor or unprofessional communication without official branding
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Pressure to act quickly or miss out
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Requests for personal or financial information before any contract is signed
If you encounter any of these warning signs, exercise caution and investigate further before engaging.
How to Stay Safe
Protecting yourself from job scams, including those disguised around Pokémon trading cards, involves several practical habits:
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Do Your Own Research
Look up the company online using official channels. Check reviews, website legitimacy, business registration details and independent feedback.
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Verify Contact Information
If an email domain, phone number or website looks unfamiliar or inconsistent, do not proceed. Genuine businesses have official domains and verifiable contact paths.
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Never Pay Before Work Begins
Reputable job offers never require payment from applicants before working or providing services.
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Ask for a Contract
Employment or freelance work should come with a written agreement outlining terms, responsibilities and payment structure. If this is vague or missing, be cautious.
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Discuss with Others
Talk to trusted friends, family members or online communities before committing to an unusual job offer. These steps help create a protective buffer against impulsive decisions driven by excitement or pressure.
What to Do If You Have Been Scammed
If you believe you have been targeted by a job scam, act quickly:
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Stop all communication with the suspected scammer.
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Report the incident to your bank immediately if any money was transferred. Banks may be able to trace or freeze suspicious transactions.
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Preserve all evidence, keep screenshots, email headers, chat logs and any payment receipts.
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Make a police report with the Singapore Police Force. Detailed information helps authorities identify patterns and protect others.
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Seek support from community resources that can guide you through the recovery process.
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Prompt action maximises the chance of mitigating losses and helps in broader prevention work.
Resources to Seek Help in Singapore
Singapore offers several resources to assist scam victims and help the public stay informed:
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Singapore Police Force Scam Advisories provide updates on common and new scam types, with examples.
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Anti-Scam Helpline (ScamShield) can help block suspicious calls and provide guidance.
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Consumer forums and community education events regularly discuss scam awareness and offer practical tips.
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Being aware of these resources and using them actively is one of the best defences against fraud.
How Scam.SG Can Help
Scam.SG provides a platform where users can check whether a business, phone number or contact has been associated with scam reports. By searching relevant names or numbers, you can review insights and TrustScore data to assess whether something seems risky before engaging further. Scam.SG also allows members of the public to submit scam reports to build community knowledge and warn others. Scam.SG publishes scam prevention articles and updates to help readers stay informed about emerging tactics and protect themselves more effectively.
Conclusion
Job scams masquerading as Pokémon trading card opportunities show how easily fraudsters can exploit curiosity, passion and economic pressure. These scams combine emotional appeal with financial deception, making them particularly effective and harmful. By learning how these scams operate, recognising red flags, and taking steps to verify and protect yourself, it is possible to avoid becoming a victim.
Scams thrive on urgency, familiarity and a lack of verification. Trust your instincts, pause before acting on unusual requests, and rely on verified information. Using platforms such as Scam.SG to check and report suspicious activity helps protect you and the wider community.
Stay Smart, Stay Safe, Stay Vigilant With Scam.SG