Pokemon fans rally around child after alleged scam costs him his most prized card

Pokemon fans, including YouTuber Deep Pocket Monster, have offered to help a child whose father says he lost his most prized card in a scam at Pokemon XP.

Eric Bahn described the alleged incident in a series of posts on August 29 after his son attended the event in San Francisco. He said the boy had spent years saving money and trading to obtain the card.

The posts prompted offers of replacement cards, packs, and gifts, with Bahn later thanking the community for its support.

Dad says son lost prized Rayquaza in Pokemon XP trade

According to Bahn’s account, an adult took advantage of his son during a card trade. He later clarified that it happened in the second-floor trading area at Moscone South.

In a subsequent reply, Bahn posted a photo of a PSA 9 Rayquaza VMAX #218 from Evolving Skies, identifying it as the valuable card his son had worked toward owning.

Bahn said he returned to the venue hoping to review security footage and later reported speaking to staff, but indicated there was little help available.

His son was more concerned about preventing other children from having the same experience, according to his father.

“Please stop hurting children,” read the boy’s message, relayed by Bahn. He said his son loved the community and did not want other young fans to lose trust in people at these events.

The exact terms of the trade have not been independently verified, and the alleged scam remains based on Bahn’s account.

Deep Pocket Monster and collectors offer cards and gifts

Among those offering help was Pat Flynn, better known as Deep Pocket Monster, who has previously investigated counterfeit Pokemon cards sold through Walmart’s online marketplace.

Bahn said his son had met Flynn shortly before the alleged scam and that meeting the creator had still made his day.

Flynn subsequently responded to the post, saying he had read the thread and would contact Bahn privately. “I’d love to help out,” he wrote.

Collector jackshitaum offered a PSA 10 Japanese Detective Pikachu promo and some packs, explaining that he had also been scammed by an adult as a child collecting Yu-Gi-Oh.

Bahn thanked him but expressed hesitation about accepting such a generous gift.

Another collector, JesterJum, offered to send the missing card if he had it in his collection.

Sonoroman, whose profile lists him as Pokemon’s Premier Event Manager for Latin America and Oceania, also asked whether the family would return to the event. “I’ll have something for your kiddo,” he wrote from his personal account.

In a later gratitude post, Bahn thanked everyone who had reached out, supported the family, or offered gifts. He said their kindness reminded him that most people were good.

It remains unclear whether the Rayquaza has been recovered or replaced.

Earlier this month, Dexerto reported on a separate alleged scam in which an 11-year-old in Thailand reportedly lost more than $30,000 trying to buy a rare Pokemon card.