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Safety
How to Safely Buy and Sell Collectible Cards Online
The vast majority of trades between collectors go smoothly. The small minority that don't almost always follows the same pattern — and can be avoided with a few habits.
Before the trade: verify the person
- History — how many trades they've completed, what ratings they have, and how long the account has existed. On Poke Investe you can see this directly in the listing.
- Photos — ask for a photo with a note (name + date). Anyone selling from someone else's photos won't provide this.
- Communication — pressure to rush ("I have three other interested buyers, send a deposit right now") is a classic scam sign.
Payment based on trust
| Situation | Reasonable approach |
|---|---|
| unknown seller, higher amount | in-person handover or cash on delivery with inspection option |
| seller with history and ratings | regular bank transfer — risk is minimal |
| anyone asking for "gift" payment or cryptocurrency | stop — there's no way back from such a payment |
During handover and shipping
- seller: film the package being wrapped — one video covers disputes about contents,
- always with a tracking number; for higher value items, with insurance,
- buyer: unbox the package on camera — if it's damaged or wrong item, you have proof.
After the trade
Rate the other person. Ratings are currency of trust for the entire community — your rating today will protect someone else tomorrow. On Poke Investe ratings are only given after a confirmed trade, so stars can't be collected for nothing.
If something goes wrong: keep the communication (don't delete messages), take screenshots, and report the trade using the Report button. For payment fraud, contact your bank as soon as possible — and for larger damage, contact the police. We have detailed instructions in the document Safe Trading.
Payments: what to choose
- In-person handover — safest for both sides: you see the item, you pay on the spot. Meet in a busy location.
- Bank transfer — common among verified collectors; send only after verifying the seller (history, ratings, photo with note).
- Cash on delivery — you pay upon receipt, but you won't see the package contents upon delivery; open and film at the post office.
- Third-party intermediary — for expensive trades with strangers, consider meeting in person or splitting the trade into parts.
Packaging and shipping (guide for seller)
- Card: sleeve → toploader → seal the top with paper tape (not over the card).
- Bubble mailer or box; for boxes, fill from all sides — the box must not move inside the package.
- Film a video of the packaging including sealing and the address — the only reliable proof in a "it arrived empty" dispute.
- Always tracked shipping; above ~50 € insured. Send the tracking number to the buyer immediately.
If something goes wrong
- For a damaged package, refuse delivery or take photos BEFORE opening — filing a claim with the carrier is easier that way.
- Save all communication, the listing, and proof of payment.
- Report the fraud to the platform (Report button) — and for larger amounts, file a police report; bank transfers are traceable.
On Poke Investe
Verified trades and ratings exist precisely so you don't buy a pig in a poke: stars can't be collected without real trades. Check the profile, message through the platform (it leaves a record), and rate each other after the trade — you'll help the next person in line.