NJ small businesses say Pokémon card 'chargeback' scam has cost them thousands of dollars
Liquid Games owner Jennifer Scheri said her Ocean Township business was hit last month when a man entered the store, presented a Pennsylvania ID under the name “James Harrison,” and attempted to make a purchase.
A credit card “chargeback” scam targeting Pokémon card shops has surfaced in New Jersey, and small businesses say it's costing them thousands of dollars in losses.
Liquid Games owner Jennifer Scheri said her Ocean Township business was hit last month when a man entered the store, presented a Pennsylvania ID under the name “James Harrison,” and attempted to make a purchase.
“He told us his tap-to-pay wasn’t working. So naturally, he gives us a card to manually enter, and not thinking anything of it, we took the number and went on his way,” Scheri said.
About a month later, the $2,500 transaction was charged back, leaving the store without the cards or the payment.
“We’re all very close with our customers. It almost doesn’t feel like they’re our customers, they’re family. So it’s really hard to think that somebody could come in here and really look you right in the face and basically steal from you in broad daylight, and it really hurts,” she said.
Scheri says the issue is not isolated, and several nearby shops have been hit as well. Another shop in Englishtown, Cardtel, told News12 about a similar incident. The store lost more than $2,000 in merchandise.
Scheri said the same suspect also attempted the same transaction at her store.
Pokémon cards can carry significant value, with some individual cards worth thousands of dollars, making them an attractive target for theft and fraud.
“There’s been a lot of theft in the community, and that’s because a lot of these items are so high-priced and they’re so quick to move. There are some cards that have come out within the last five years that are worth over $1,000. It’s really taboo, I think, for a lot of people to hear some of the prices on the cards, and it’s very misunderstood,” Scheri said.
Police reports have been filed, and business owners are asking for the public’s help in identifying those responsible. Marlboro police confirmed they are actively investigating Pokémon card theft but could not provide further details.
Scheri and other store owners say they hope raising awareness will help prevent this for others.
