Bay Area shoppers recently witnessed yet another clash at a Pokemon card vending machine, highlighting the growing tensions between collectors and resellers. A viral video captured a heated exchange between two adult scalpers jockeying for position at a restocking event. The scene, which unfolded in front of frustrated customers and overwhelmed store employees, underscores the escalating problem of scalpers clearing out entire stocks before the average fan has a chance.
The confrontation was reportedly sparked when one scalper- who arrived first- was challenged by a rival who showed up late but attempted to muscle his way into a better spot. The dispute escalated into physical jostling, prompting store employees to step in and issue warnings. According to eyewitnesses, the second scalper- refusing to back down- resorted to leveraging his body weight to gain position while insisting he wasn’t breaking any rules.
Two known scalpers in the Bay Area fighting over a 10am vending machine restock! 🤦🏼♂️ pic.twitter.com/ONkNfiU3c4
— Pokemon Giveaways (@PokeTCGiveaways) March 5, 2025
The Growing Pokemon Scalping Crisis
Pokemon card vending machines, meant to provide fair access to trading cards, have instead become battlegrounds for resellers looking to flip products for profit. The issue isn’t new. Scalpers regularly camp out at big-box retailers, waiting for restocks to buy in bulk, leaving legitimate collectors empty-handed. Retailers have attempted countermeasures, including purchase limits and anti-loitering rules, but enforcement remains challenging.
Good to see people are speaking up! 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/BhbCweMMS0
— Pokemon Giveaways (@PokeTCGiveaways) March 6, 2025
“It’s frustrating because these machines aren’t even for real Pokemon fans anymore,” said one disappointed customer. “Unless you’re willing to battle a scalper, good luck getting anything.”
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral General stories via Google! Follow Us
While some scalpers defend their actions as “just business,” their tactics increasingly draw criticism from the community. Many believe scalping exploits demand and raises secondary market prices. This makes it harder for casual collectors and young fans to participate. Pokemon’s latest restrictions may not stop the trend. Until then, expect more intense showdowns in store aisles nationwide.
