Pokémon card frenzy: bic camera drops a quiz to crush scalpers

Tokyo – Japanese electronics giant Bic Camera is waging war on Pokémon card scalpers, deploying a surprisingly aggressive tactic: a mandatory 15-question Pokémon quiz at select stores.

A test for trainers (and resellers)

The move, spotted by Twitter user Ryo Saeba, targets the Ninja Spinner expansion, a highly sought-after set released in March and plagued by inflated prices thanks to opportunistic resellers. Bic Camera’s Ikebukuro West branch now demands prospective buyers demonstrate their Pokémon knowledge – and a willingness to play by the rules – before they can even thinkabout purchasing a pack.

Quiz time: no shortcuts allowed

The quiz, reportedly designed with a deceptively simple approach—questioning basic knowledge of the Pokémon universe like, “What’s the name of the Pokémon on the box?”—is strictly monitored. Photographs of the test or reliance on online resources are strictly forbidden. Apparently, a quick Google search isn't an option, and the store staff are vigilant. Furthermore, a one-box limit per customer is in place to prevent bulk purchases, adding another layer of restriction.

Loyalty is key (and shrink wrap is out)

Bic Camera’s defenses don’t stop there. Customers are required to have a loyalty account with the chain, either through an app or a physical card. Crucially, the outer box must be opened and the shrink wrap removed, effectively eliminating the opportunity to resell sealed products.

A victory for the community?

The initiative has been met with widespread approval from Japanese Pokémon TCG enthusiasts online, with many calling for similar measures across the country. This crackdown follows recent arrests of prolific Vietnamese scalpers, framing Bic Camera’s strategy as a symbolic victory. However, other Bic Camera locations are implementing similar restrictions, varying by location – a Sapporo branch, for example, requires Japanese driver’s licenses or tax ID cards to limit purchases to residents.

The card crime wave continues

The surge in Pokémon card theft and fraud isn't confined to Japan. Last year, a shop in Japan was robbed of $92,000 in cards, allegedly by a rival store owner. Similarly, Melbourne, Australia, experienced a string of thefts in February, and U.S. cities like Boston, Los Angeles, and Seattle have seen a rise in Pokémon card store robberies. Even a New York store was held hostage during a card robbery just this January.

A calculated response

It's clear Bic Camera is taking a decisive stance. The store staff, according to one satisfied customer, even crafted a “surprisingly easy” quiz, ensuring that even casual Pokémon fans could pass. The entire operation feels less like a restrictive policy and more like a carefully orchestrated defense against a persistent and increasingly sophisticated criminal element. It’s a gamble, certainly, but one that speaks volumes about the desperation – and the lucrative nature – of the Pokémon card market.