KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Carousell seller accused of cheating buyers with fake Pokémon card pre-orders.
- Total reported losses hit $80,000 across at least 111 cases.
- 29-year-old man charged in court as community urges safer online buying.
If you’ve ever bought something on Carousell, you know the feeling—scrolling, spotting a good deal, and hoping the seller is legit. This case shook many collectors from Jurong East to Pasir Ris, especially those in the Pokémon Trading Card Game scene.
A 29-year-old man, identified as Eugene Kwek Yi Jun, has now been charged after buyers alleged he took payments for Pokémon card pre-orders that never arrived. Many of them say they had been waiting since launch day, only to receive excuses, delayed replies, or eventually no response at all.
A Carousell Pokémon Card Seller Is Now Facing Cheating Charges After $80,000 Scam Claims Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Eugene Kwek Yi Jun, 29 |
| Platform | Carousell (username: mrkwek, now disabled) |
| Alleged Losses | At least $80,000 |
| Number of Cases | 111 reported cases |
| Charge | Cheating (up to 10 years’ jail + fine) |
| Arrest Date | 1 Dec by Commercial Affairs Department |
| Items Involved | Pokémon trading card pre-orders |
How the Alleged Scam Worked
According to police investigations, Kwek advertised limited-edition Pokémon card pre-orders on Carousell—something that easily attracts collectors, since the rare cards often sell out quickly.
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After buyers transferred payment through bank transfers, the problems started.
Some said delivery was “delayed.” Others said messages slowly became sparse, then stopped entirely. A few frustrated buyers began posting warnings across local Pokémon communities—Facebook groups, Reddit threads, even Telegram chats—urging others to be careful.
One buyer shared online:
“I’ve been waiting since launch. No delivery, no refund. Now replies are slow and still delaying.”
It didn’t take long before multiple police reports were filed.
Arrest and Charges
The Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) arrested Kwek on 1 Dec, and the Carousell account under “mrkwek” was promptly disabled.
He now faces one count of cheating involving $1,800, but investigators believe he may be linked to at least 111 cases, totalling around $80,000 in losses.
If convicted, the offence carries up to 10 years’ jail and a fine.
Why This Case Drew So Much Attention
Collectors, especially Pokémon TCG fans, tend to be passionate—and they often pre-order items the moment a new set is dropped. Limited-edition boxes can cost hundreds, sometimes thousands.
So when someone dangles a “good price” or “guaranteed launch stock,” people jump in fast.
And with the recent rise in cost-of-living pressures, many buyers said they had saved up for months to afford these sets. Losing hundreds or thousands felt especially painful.
What We Can Learn as Everyday Buyers
Here’s the thing: scams like this don’t only happen to new Carousell users. Even seasoned buyers sometimes get caught when items are high-demand.
Tips to Protect Yourself on Carousell
Keep it simple and practical:
– Check seller history: A long, consistent record is always safer than a new profile with no reviews.
– Prefer meet-up or PayNow on delivery: Especially for items above $100.
– Avoid full pre-payment: Unless you’re buying from an established store.
– Look for repeated complaints: Many communities on Reddit, Facebook, and Discord flag suspicious sellers early.
– Be cautious with “too good to be true” pre-orders: High-demand collectibles are often targets for cheating.
Who Is the Suspect?
According to his LinkedIn profile, Kwek worked as a senior sales manager at PingPong Payments. Before that, he had a short stint at Moolahgo in financial services.
His profile also states he studied Business Administration under the University of London from 2020 to 2022.
Why This Matters for Singapore Consumers
Online marketplaces are part of daily life here. From Pokémon cards to household appliances, we depend on platforms like Carousell, Shopee, and Qoo10.
So when something like this happens, it hits a nerve.
People just want to feel safe when buying things—even small hobbies.
From the hawker auntie collecting limited edition plates to teenagers saving up for TCG sets, trust matters.
And if anything, this case reminds us to stay alert and look out for one another online.
Article Source : stomp.sg
FAQs
1. How many victims were involved?
Police believe there were at least 111 victims, with combined losses of around $80,000.
2. What item was the seller offering?
He advertised limited-edition Pokémon trading card pre-orders.
3. Has the Carousell account been removed?
Yes, the account under “mrkwek” has been disabled.
4. What is the possible punishment for cheating?
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years’ jail and a fine.
5. What should I do if I suspect a scam on Carousell?
Stop payment immediately, take screenshots, contact the seller, and file a police report if needed.
