When it comes to fraudulent cryptocurrency transactions, you gotta catch’em all!
A Philadelphia man is facing charges after stealing a Pokémon card worth $24,000 by conducting a fraudulent cryptocurrency transaction in Evesham Township, Burlington County, police said on Monday.
Christian Elam, 26, of Philadelphia, contacted a seller on Facebook Marketplace and said he would purchase a rare Pokémon card, police said.
The two met at the Evesham Township Police Department Safe Exchange Zone, where Elam appeared to perform a legitimate transaction using an unidentified cryptocurrency, police said. However, the victim later determined the transaction to be fraudulent.
Elam has been charged with third-degree theft by deception and second-degree computer-related theft, police said.
“The Evesham Township Police Department reminds residents that the ETPD Safe Exchange Zone is available for online marketplace transactions,” police said. “While the zone provides a well-lit, video-monitored location for in-person exchanges, residents are reminded to independently verify payment before transferring property, especially when cryptocurrency, electronic payments, or high-value items are involved.”