The Martin County Sheriff's Office is investigating two separate cases involving counterfeit Pokémon cards after victims reported losing a combined $1,200 in deals arranged through Facebook Marketplace. In the first case, a collector met a seller at a gas station in Hobe Sound to trade nine Pokémon cards and cash. Investigators said the seller rushed through the transaction and left before the cards could be inspected. Once home, the victim realized the cards were counterfeit, and the seller blocked him online.
Ten days later, another collector reported a similar experience in Stuart. That victim traded collectible Pokémon card boxes and sent money through Zelle in exchange for two cards that were later determined to be fake.
Patrick Sutherland, who organizes Peetry's Card Show from the Treasure Coast to South Florida, said authentic cards often have specific textures, coloring and holographic features that can be difficult to counterfeit. He urged buyers to slow down and inspect items before completing a deal, warning that rushed transactions can be costly. Sutherland said the safest place to buy, sell, or trade collectibles is at a card show, where experienced collectors and vendors can help spot counterfeits. Martin County deputies said they are still working to identify the suspects in both fraud cases.