Man charged in alleged $24,000 Pokémon card fraud tied to Facebook Marketplace sale in Evesham Township
Evesham police say suspect used fraudulent cryptocurrency payment during transaction at police headquarters.
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A Philadelphia man has been charged after police say he used a fraudulent cryptocurrency payment to obtain a rare Pokémon card worth $24,200 during a Facebook Marketplace transaction in Evesham Township.
The Evesham Township Police Department said it received a report in June 2026 from a victim who sold the card after arranging the transaction through Facebook Marketplace. The exchange took place inside the department’s Safe Exchange Zone in the lobby of police headquarters.
Police said the suspect paid with cryptocurrency that was later determined to be fraudulent.
Following an investigation, officers identified the suspect as Christian Elam, 26, of Philadelphia. He was charged with theft by deception and computer-related theft.
Police said Evesham officers coordinated with Homeland Security, and Elam was taken into custody after returning to the United States from overseas. He is being held at the Burlington County Jail pending court proceedings.
The department said its Safe Exchange Zone remains available for online marketplace transactions but reminded residents to independently verify payment before transferring property, especially when cryptocurrency, electronic payments or high-value items are involved.
