Pokemon fans rally after child's prized card

Pokemon fans and prominent YouTuber Deep Pocket Monster have offered cards and gifts to a child after his father reported the boy lost his most prized card in an alleged scam. The incident was said to have occurred during a trade at the Pokemon XP event in San Francisco on August 29, according to posts by the father, Eric Bahn.

Bahn described the situation in a series of posts. He said an adult took advantage of his son during a card trade in the second-floor trading area at the Moscone South venue. The father later identified the lost card as a PSA 9 Rayquaza VMAX #218 from the Evolving Skies set.

Bahn reported returning to the venue to review security footage and speaking to staff. He indicated there was little help available. The exact terms of the trade have not been independently verified. The alleged scam remains based solely on Bahn's account.

Community response to the alleged loss

According to Bahn, his son was more concerned about preventing other children from having the same negative experience. "Please stop hurting children," read the boy's message, which Bahn relayed. The father said his son loved the community and did not want other young fans to lose trust in people at these events.

The posts prompted a wave of support from the Pokemon community. Offers included replacement cards, packs, and other gifts. Bahn later posted a message thanking the community for its support.

Offers from Deep Pocket Monster and collectors

Among those offering help was Pat Flynn, better known as the YouTuber Deep Pocket Monster. Flynn has previously investigated counterfeit Pokemon cards sold through Walmart's online marketplace. Bahn noted his son had met Flynn shortly before the alleged scam occurred, and that meeting the creator had still made his day.

Flynn responded to Bahn's post. "I'd love to help out," he wrote, adding that he had read the thread and would contact Bahn privately.

Other collectors also stepped forward. A collector using the name jackshitaum offered a PSA 10 Japanese Detective Pikachu promo and some packs. He explained that he had also been scammed by an adult as a child collecting Yu-Gi-Oh cards. Bahn thanked him but expressed hesitation about accepting such a generous gift.

Another collector, JesterJum, offered to send the missing Rayquaza card if he had it in his collection. Sonoroman, whose profile lists him as Pokemon's Premier Event Manager for Latin America and Oceania, also asked if the family would return to the event. Writing from his personal account, he stated, "I'll have something for your kiddo."

In a later post expressing gratitude, Bahn thanked everyone who had reached out, supported the family, or offered gifts. He said their kindness reminded him that most people were good. It remains unclear whether the Rayquaza card has been recovered or replaced.