Pokémon Trading Card Game: new ID check to combat scalping

In a recent announcement, The Pokémon Company said it is considering introducing an ID verification system in Japan. The system is aimed at combating scalping and unfair behavior tied to Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) products and events.

What is the My Number Card?

The ID verification system would use the "My Number" card, a government-issued social security document in Japan. The My Number card is a plastic photo ID that includes the holder’s 12-digit social security number. It is required for access to various government services and can also be used as health insurance proof.

How the ID check will work

Starting in August 2026, the ID verification system will require customers to scan their My Number card to access certain services. These include:

• Pre-sale lotteries for Pokémon TCG products.

• Sales of selected TCG products in the official Pokémon Center web store.

• Participation in official tournaments in Japan.

These measures are intended to ensure that all customers have a fair chance to safely use the services on offer.

The scalping problem

Scalping has become a growing issue within the Pokémon TCG community. Scalpers often use multiple accounts to bulk-buy specific card sets, only to resell them later at a profit. During the recent Japanese Ninja Spinner expansion, which is known for its special SAR cards, one electronics store was forced to require customers to complete a Pokémon quiz before they could buy the cards.

Official tournaments and fraud

At the Yokohama Championships in September last year, The Pokémon Company reported incidents of inappropriate behavior by participants. These included using accounts that were not their own and falsifying their age to enter competitions they were not eligible for. Introducing an ID check with the My Number card could help reduce this kind of fraud in the future.

Although the My Number card was introduced in 2016, many Japanese residents still have not adopted it, partly for a variety of reasons. The Japanese government is trying to make the card more appealing by offering rewards. At present, the My Number card is not yet legally mandatory, although the ruling LDP party plans to change that in the future.

With these measures, The Pokémon Company hopes to protect the fairness and integrity of Pokémon TCG events and improve the experience for all players.