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What actually happened

It all happened on X (former Twitter) with a trade request from my end. I use X mainly for trading codes. The recent distribution of Worlds 2024 Steenee was an opportunity to trade other codes or reservations for future distributions. Last is a so called IOU trade („I owe you“) and, you may sense it already, it may be more risky. Tbf, even non-IOU code trades have their own potential that you get scammed.

Ok, let‘s get into the details. This was my request:

My request: I was offering a Steenee code and looked for reservations of the upcoming new birthday codes, which will be starting to be distributed locally in Japanese PokéCenters in November. Since one of my children will have its birthday beginning of November and I‘d like to redeem the birthday event on its birthday, I asked for a lower rate if someone can provide them until 5th November.

A user „Y1Fze11“ contacted me regarding my request with the promise that he will send me the required birthday codes on 2nd November. At this time, I didn’t know that there is a well-known trader @Y1Fze. I have met several trustworthy traders and all my IOU trades did happen in the past. I guess this made me a bit too careless and I sent my part without hesitation and assurance.

As soon as I‘ve sent the Steenee code, the user told me to send another one and I have to hurry, so that he will be able to organize better. This statement was so strange that I realized „I probably was scammed.“ - and it was too late, the user already confirmed that he received the Steenee. So I waited that he will block me which is a typical behavior. Right after, I recorded the conversation and wrote a report to warn other traders.

Let‘s see how we could prevent to be scammed

I think there are several ways, but let me list everything what comes to my mind. Please note that everything I list are only recommendations and may help you to prevent scammers, but will never guarantee that you will not be scammed. Additionally, this is summarized for X trades, trades on other communities might work differently.

Trade only with users you trust - try to establish your own network. Traders from Japan usually have a strong helping mindset, as soon as you proof yourself as a helpful contact, you‘ll be part of their network and they will help you to get codes/events distributed in Japan. Take care of your network and help other traders. Side note: traders from Japan prefer to get events/codes on the second day of its distribution at the latest. Everything after will be valued lower or might not be attractive to them anymore - which basically means that trades of codes from Japan will be easier for you later during their distribution period, but it also means that you should be able to provide western codes very early of their distribution period.

Be careful with users if their account is just a few months old

The amount of followers does not proof the trustworthiness of a user!

Some scammers imitate well-known traders, make a cross-check if the username/avatar seems familiar - I thank @alotofohshi and @sushi_zamurai_ for their advices as well.

Search through the hashtag #ポケモン詐欺 - block identified scammers. Even if they change their nickname, they will not be able to contact you. Review this hashtag frequently, because new accounts will be created.

For normal trades: let the person who approaches you be the first to send the agreed part, e.g. the code. Test the code before sending your code. Attention! Communicate that you will test the code before you‘re sending your code - you don’t want to be marked as a scammer!

For IOU trades: take an assurance. This could be anything with equal value.

For IOU trades with birthday codes: Check the ID - the trader has to send you a photo of his ID with his username on a note. All unnecessary (and private) information should be blackened like name, photo, ID number etc. - you need this just to check the persons date of birth to verify that he will be able to get the birthday code. Side note: birthday codes will be handed out in PokéCenters during the birth month only.

I will add new things to this list as soon as they come to my mind. You are also invited to let me know if you know anything else what should be added! 😇