Addressing the Scalping Crisis in the Pokémon TCG

The Pokémon Company has officially announced plans to implement a government ID verification system in Japan to combat the growing issues of scalping and fraud within the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) ecosystem. This strategic move aims to restore fairness for genuine fans who struggle to secure products amidst high demand and bot-driven purchases.

The proposed system will leverage Japan’s My Number card, a government-issued social security card that functions as both a photo ID and a health insurance card. By tying access to key services to this verified identity, The Pokémon Company hopes to create a more secure environment for all customers.

Mandatory ID Checks for Online Purchases and Tournaments

Starting in August 2026, the company will require users to scan their My Number card via smartphone to verify their Trainer Club accounts for specific services. While the exact list of affected products has not been fully detailed, the scope of this verification is significant.

The ID check will likely cover:

  • Presale lotteries for highly sought-after TCG products.
  • Direct sales of specific TCG items on The Pokémon Center’s official online store.
  • Official tournament participation held within Japan.

This verification process is designed to prevent the creation of multiple fake accounts, a tactic frequently used by scalpers to mass-buy limited inventory. By linking purchases to a single, verified government ID, The Pokémon Company aims to limit the ability of bad actors to hoard stock for resale.

Why ID Verification is Becoming Necessary

The decision comes after a surge in inappropriate behavior that has disrupted the integrity of the TCG community. Two primary issues have driven this policy shift:

  1. Scalping of Exclusive Products: The demand for Japan-exclusive sets, such as the Ninja Spinner expansion, has led to extreme measures by retailers. In some cases, major electronics stores have implemented complex Pokémon quizzes to prevent bulk purchases, highlighting the severity of the scalping problem.
  2. Tournament Fraud: Inappropriate conduct at major events, such as the Yokohama Championships last September, revealed serious breaches of rules. Participants were found using accounts that did not belong to them and falsifying their age to compete in leagues for which they were ineligible.

Verifying identities through the My Number card offers a robust solution to these issues, ensuring that players are who they claim to be and that purchases are made by legitimate customers.

The My Number Card and Future Adoption

While the My Number card was introduced in 2016, adoption among Japanese residents has historically been slow due to privacy concerns and bureaucratic hurdles. However, the government has recently encouraged usage by offering reward points and other incentives.

Although the card is not yet mandatory, Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is pushing for it to become a legal requirement, as reported by Asahi News. This political momentum may facilitate smoother adoption of the ID check system for The Pokémon Company.

For now, fans in Japan should prepare for a new era of verification. While the friction of scanning a government ID may be inconvenient, it represents a necessary step to protect the community from scalpers and cheaters, ensuring that the TCG remains a fair and enjoyable experience for everyone.