FBI warns shops about thieves targeting popular trading cards in NJ

Seven New Jersey shops have been hit since September, and agents say the scheme can go unnoticed for weeks

Owners of trading card and collectibles shops across New Jersey are being targeted by a fraud scheme that is costing them thousands, and the FBI wants them to know what to look for.

FBI Newark says criminals hit seven New Jersey shops between September 2025 and March 2026, buying items prized for their rarity, condition, and authenticity, making them easy to resell. Some retailers also suffered smash-and-grab burglaries.

The "failed payment" trick

According to agents, the scam often starts with a customer trying to pay by tapping a cell phone on the contactless reader. Then the payment "fails," and the customer asks the cashier to type in a credit card number by hand.

That number belongs to a stolen or compromised card. Because fraud typically isn't flagged until weeks later, thieves have time to sell the merchandise before the store or bank catches on.

A phone app that cycles through stolen cards

In other cases, the FBI says thieves use a phone app run by a criminal network that stores multiple stolen credit card numbers. The thief holds the phone up to the contactless reader and lets the app cycle through cards until one goes through.

Some crooks also work in teams. In one case, a man tried to sell a box of trading cards to the store while an accomplice reached over the counter and grabbed more cards.

Danger outside the shop

The threat isn't limited to storefronts. Agents say vendors at trading card events have been robbed at gunpoint outside the venue, or followed by criminals as they leave.

How shops can protect themselves

The FBI recommends that retailers:

- Require photo ID for any manual-entry credit card purchase
- Disable manual card entry if possible
- Keep display cabinets locked, and relock them after every customer interaction
- Install security cameras, door alarms and panic buttons
- Staff the counter with multiple employees who can watch for distractions
- File a police report for any attempted or completed theft

If you're a victim

Call 911 immediately. Business owners who think they may have been targeted can also contact FBI Newark at 973-792-3000 or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov.