FBI Newark put out a public alert for New Jersey trading card and collectibles shops. The warning covers a fraud and burglary scheme aimed at high-value items. Agents said criminals hit at least seven shops across the state between September 2025 and March 2026.
Federal agents said thieves hunt for rare trading cards and sports memorabilia because the items sell fast. Buyers prize them for their rarity, condition, and authenticity, WABC reported. A few retailers also lost goods to smash-and-grab break-ins.
The scam often starts when a customer tries to pay by tapping a phone on the contactless reader. The payment fails. Then the customer asks the clerk to type in a credit card number by hand, and that number belongs to a stolen or compromised card…