Economy
Victims Report Over 5 Million Baht Loss in Pokémon Card Investment Scam
A group of victims has filed a complaint with the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) after being defrauded in a Pokémon card pre-order and trading scheme.
On August 19, 2026, a group of victims, accompanied by activist Tankhun Jitt-itsara, reported a major investment fraud case to the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) of the Central Investigation Bureau. According to Khaosod Online, the victims claim to have lost over 5 million baht in a scheme involving the pre-ordering and trading of Pokémon and other collectible cards.
One victim, a 15-year-old identified as 'Mr. A,' explained that he initially met the perpetrator at a gaming event in Bangkok. The suspect built trust over four months by successfully fulfilling initial orders, allowing victims to earn a 10% profit on resales. This established a sense of credibility, as the suspect was well-known within the local card-trading community. However, the suspect eventually stopped delivering goods, citing issues with customs or international shipping delays, before deleting their social media accounts.
For residents and collectors in Thailand, this case highlights the risks associated with informal, peer-to-peer trading conducted via personal social media accounts rather than verified business platforms. While the victims have initiated legal action, it remains to be confirmed how many individuals were involved in the scheme and whether the authorities can recover the funds transferred to the suspect's bank account. The investigation is ongoing.