Protect Yourself: Complete Scammer Advisory for Singapore Pokemon Card Collectors (2026)
How to identify and avoid common scam tactics targeting Singapore's Pokemon card community on Carousell, Telegram, and Facebook Marketplace
The Singapore Pokemon card collecting community has experienced a concerning rise in sophisticated scam attempts across multiple platforms. From fake Carousell accounts imitating legitimate vendors to pre-order scams and physical theft at trade events, collectors need to stay vigilant.
This comprehensive advisory combines real incident reports from the Singapore Pokemon collector community to help you identify red flags, avoid common scam tactics, and protect your money and collection.
Executive Summary: The Current Scam Landscape
Key Findings from Recent Incidents:
- Platform shifting: Scammers banned from Telegram are creating new Carousell accounts to continue operations
- Account recycling: Same scammers create multiple accounts with different handles after being banned
- Vendor impersonation: Scammers copy legitimate vendor listings, photos, and pricing to appear authentic
- Pre-order targeting: New releases like booster bundles are being used for advance payment scams
- Payment method manipulation: Requests for UEN-only payments or overseas payment methods are major red flags
- Meetup avoidance: Scammers consistently refuse in-person transactions or provide suspicious meetup locations
Platforms Affected:
- Carousell: New accounts copying established vendors
- Telegram: Frequent handle changes after being reported
- Facebook Marketplace: Cross-platform scam coordination
- Physical Events: Theft incidents at trade fairs and meetups
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Common Scam Patterns: What to Watch For
Pattern #1: The Account Cloner
How It Works:
Scammers identify successful legitimate vendors and copy their:
- Profile photos
- Product listings and images
- Pricing structure
- Product descriptions
- Communication style
Warning Signs:
- Account creation date is very recent (within last 7-30 days)
- Zero or very low transaction history
- Similar but slightly different username from known vendor
- Requests immediate payment before meetup
- Resists verification questions about their business
Real Example Pattern:
A legitimate vendor sells PSA graded cards with established reputation. Scammer creates new account with similar name, copies all listing photos (including specific PSA certification numbers), and uses same pricing. Buyers assume it's the same vendor.
How to Protect Yourself:
1. Verify account age: Check when account was created
2. Cross-reference: Message the original vendor to confirm they have multiple accounts
3. Request fresh photos: Ask for timestamped photo with their username
4. Check transaction history: Legitimate vendors have extensive review history
5. Verify business registration: Ask for business UEN and verify on ACRA website
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Pattern #2: The Handle Hopper (Telegram)
How It Works:
Scammers create Telegram accounts, get reported and banned, then immediately create new handles to continue scamming. They often maintain the same account but change handles repeatedly.
Warning Signs:
- Account handle doesn't match the name displayed
- Handle was changed very recently
- User joins multiple Pokemon groups simultaneously
- No transaction history within established community groups
- Defensive or evasive when asked about account history
Documented Behavior:
Community members report the same scammer cycling through 5+ different handles in a matter of weeks, using pattern variations like:
- @[pokemon]tcg
- @ilove[pokemon]tcg
- @[name]pokemon
- @[business-sounding name]PTE
How to Protect Yourself:
1. Check join date: Most Telegram groups show when user joined
2. Request vouches: Ask for references from other community members
3. Review message history: Legitimate sellers have extensive group participation
4. Trust your instinct: If account feels "too new," it probably is
5. Verify with admins: Check with group admins before large transactions
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Pattern #3: The Pre-Order Phantom
How It Works:
Scammers target highly anticipated new releases (booster boxes, special sets, exclusive products) by offering pre-orders at competitive prices. After collecting payments, they delete messages and disappear.
Warning Signs:
- Pre-order prices significantly below market rate
- Requests full payment weeks/months before release
- No established track record of fulfilled pre-orders
- Vague answers about supplier or distribution source
- Pressure tactics: "Limited slots available," "Price increases tomorrow"
Recent Targets:
- New booster box releases
- Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs)
- Special anniversary sets
- Japanese exclusive products
- Limited edition collection boxes
How to Protect Yourself:
1. Research seller history: Only pre-order from vendors with proven track record
2. Use partial payment: Legitimate vendors often accept deposits rather than full payment
3. Check group vouches: Look for previous successful pre-order completions
4. Get written confirmation: Request written terms including refund policy
5. Use escrow: For large pre-orders, suggest trusted third-party escrow
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Pattern #4: The Payment Method Manipulator
How It Works:
Scammers insist on payment methods that are difficult to trace or reverse, specifically avoiding meetup transactions or platforms with buyer protection.
Red Flag Payment Requests:
- UEN-only payments: No credit card, no PayPal, only direct bank transfer
- Overseas payment processors: Requests for international wire transfers or crypto
- Friend/family payments: Asking to mark PayPal as "friends and family" to avoid fees (removes buyer protection)
- Cryptocurrency: Requests for Bitcoin, USDT, or other crypto (irreversible)
- Gift cards: Asking for payment via iTunes, Google Play, or other gift cards
Legitimate Payment Methods:
- Cash meetup (safest for in-person)
- PayPal Goods & Services (buyer protection)
- Carousell CarouPay (platform protection)
- Bank transfer AFTER meetup verification
- Credit card for established online stores
How to Protect Yourself:
1. Insist on buyer protection: Use platforms with dispute resolution
2. Prefer meetups for high-value items: Nothing beats in-person verification
3. Document everything: Screenshot all conversations and payment confirmations
4. Refuse unusual methods: If payment method feels suspicious, walk away
5. Split payment: Pay partial upfront, remainder upon receipt (for trusted sellers only)
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Pattern #5: The Meetup Avoider
How It Works:
Scammers make excuses to avoid in-person meetups, knowing face-to-face transactions are harder to scam.
Common Excuses:
- "I'm overseas right now, can only ship"
- "I don't have time for meetups, I only do mailing"
- "Meetup location is very far, mailing is easier"
- Suggests meetup at unusual locations (HDB void decks, parking lots, residential buildings)
- Cancels meetups last minute repeatedly
- Agrees to meetup but goes silent when confirming details
Suspicious Meetup Patterns:
- Proposes meetup at residential addresses rather than public places
- Suggests late-night meetups (9pm+)
- Changes meetup location multiple times
- Won't commit to specific date/time
- Asks for payment before confirming meetup
How to Protect Yourself:
1. Insist on public meetups: MRT stations, shopping malls, popular cafes
2. Daytime only: Meet during business hours (10am-8pm)
3. Common locations: Bugis, Orchard, Jurong Point, NEX - busy public areas
4. Bring a friend: Safety in numbers
5. Inspect before payment: Always verify product condition before handing over money
6. Walk away if uncomfortable: Trust your instincts
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Pattern #6: The Listing Copier (Carousell)
How It Works:
Scammers screenshot legitimate vendor listings, create new Carousell accounts, and repost identical listings at similar or slightly lower prices.
Warning Signs:
- Photos look professional but account is brand new
- Multiple high-value items listed simultaneously by new account
- Listings contain watermarks or logos from other vendors
- Same exact product descriptions as established sellers
- Pricing is suspiciously competitive for a new seller
Identification Technique:
Do a reverse image search on listing photos. If photos appear on other accounts or websites, it's likely stolen content.
How to Protect Yourself:
1. Reverse image search: Use Google Images to check if photos are stolen
2. Check watermarks: Look for vendor watermarks that don't match account name
3. Ask specific questions: Request additional photos from different angles
4. Compare accounts: If listing seems copied, find the original vendor
5. Trust reviews: Only buy from accounts with substantial positive reviews
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Pattern #7: The Message Deleter
How It Works:
After receiving payment, scammers delete entire message history and block the buyer, making it difficult to prove the transaction occurred.
Warning Signs:
- Deletes individual messages during conversation (testing the feature)
- Asks you to delete messages "for privacy"
- Uses Telegram secret chats (auto-delete messages)
- Refuses to communicate via platforms with permanent records
- Avoids email or platform messaging in favor of SMS/WhatsApp
Why This Works:
Without message history, victims have difficulty:
- Proving transaction details
- Showing agreed-upon terms
- Demonstrating scammer's identity
- Filing police reports with evidence
- Warning other community members
How to Protect Yourself:
1. Screenshot everything: Save entire conversation thread
2. Use platform messaging: Carousell, Facebook, Telegram all keep server-side records
3. Get written confirmation: Request email confirmation for all terms
4. Note their number: Save phone numbers and account handles
5. Document payment: Screenshot bank transfers with recipient details
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Pattern #8: The Grade Faker
How It Works:
Scammers list PSA/BGS/CGC graded cards using photos of authentic slabs, but either:
- Ship a different, lower-grade card
- Ship a counterfeit slab
- Never ship anything at all
Warning Signs:
- PSA certification number doesn't match card shown in PSA database
- Slab appears in multiple listings from different sellers
- Price is significantly below market value for that grade
- Won't provide PSA cert number before purchase
- Photos are low quality or don't show slab clearly
Verification Process:
Every PSA, BGS, and CGC graded card has a unique certification number that can be verified online:
- PSA: PSAcard.com/cert
- BGS: Beckett.com/grading/card-lookup
- CGC: CGCcards.com/certlookup
How to Protect Yourself:
1. Verify certification number: Check online database before buying
2. Request cert number upfront: Legitimate sellers provide this immediately
3. Check high-resolution photos: Inspect slab for signs of tampering
4. Compare to market value: If price is too good to be true, it is
5. Use graded card dealers: Buy from established grading submission services
6. Meetup for high-value: Never mail payment for $500+ graded cards without verification
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Platform-Specific Scam Prevention
Carousell Safety Checklist
Before Contacting Seller:
- ✅ Check account creation date (avoid accounts less than 3 months old for high-value items)
- ✅ Review seller ratings and reviews (minimum 10+ positive reviews)
- ✅ Look for verified badge (phone and email verified)
- ✅ Check response time and listing quality
During Negotiation:
- ✅ Keep all communication on Carousell platform
- ✅ Request additional photos if needed
- ✅ Verify product details and condition
- ✅ Agree on meetup location (public, daytime)
During Transaction:
- ✅ Use CarouPay when possible (buyer protection)
- ✅ Inspect item thoroughly before payment
- ✅ Leave review immediately after transaction
- ✅ Report suspicious behavior to Carousell
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Telegram Safety Checklist
Before Engaging:
- ✅ Check when user joined the group
- ✅ Review their message history in group
- ✅ Ask group admins if they recognize the user
- ✅ Look for vouches from established members
During Deal Discussion:
- ✅ Request proof of ownership (timestamped photos)
- ✅ Ask for references from previous transactions
- ✅ Verify their other social media (Facebook, Carousell cross-check)
- ✅ Suggest meetup if possible
Transaction Guidelines:
- ✅ Use escrow for valuable cards (trusted group member holds payment)
- ✅ Request phone number and cross-verify identity
- ✅ Screenshot entire conversation
- ✅ Report scammers to group admins immediately
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Facebook Marketplace Safety Checklist
Profile Verification:
- ✅ Check account age (avoid brand new accounts)
- ✅ Review mutual friends (legitimate sellers often in collector groups)
- ✅ Look at profile activity (active Facebook presence vs. blank profile)
- ✅ Check marketplace review history
Transaction Protocol:
- ✅ Keep negotiations in Facebook Messenger (permanent record)
- ✅ Use Facebook Pay when available
- ✅ Insist on meetup for items over $100 SGD
- ✅ Meet at Facebook-recommended safe zones or police stations
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Physical Meetup Safety
Recommended Meetup Locations in Singapore
Safe Public Locations:
- Major MRT stations (Bugis, Orchard, Jurong East, City Hall)
- Shopping mall atriums (NEX, JEM, VivoCity, Tampines Mall)
- Popular food courts during peak hours
- Coffee shops in busy areas (Starbucks, Ya Kun)
- Near police posts or Neighbourhood Police Centers
Avoid These Locations:
- HDB void decks or stairwells
- Parking lots or carparks
- Residential addresses (buyer or seller's home)
- Isolated areas or industrial zones
- Late-night locations
Meetup Protocol
Before Meetup:
1. Confirm exact location, date, and time in writing
2. Share meetup details with a friend or family member
3. Bring a friend if possible (especially for high-value transactions)
4. Have seller's phone number and account details saved
5. Agree on payment method beforehand
During Meetup:
1. Arrive early and observe the area
2. Greet seller and verify their identity
3. Inspect product thoroughly:
- Check card condition (corners, edges, surface, centering)
- Verify authenticity (compare to known authentic examples)
- For graded cards, check slab for tampering
- For sealed products, inspect wrapping and seals
4. Only pay after complete inspection
5. Count change if receiving cash
6. Thank seller and leave promptly
If Something Feels Wrong:
- Trust your instincts
- Politely decline the transaction
- Leave the area immediately
- Report suspicious behavior if necessary
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Trade Fair and Event Safety
Recent incidents at Singapore Pokemon TCG events highlight the need for vigilance even in organized settings.
At Trade Fairs and Conventions:
Vendor Interaction:
- ✅ Keep valuable items in sight at all times
- ✅ Use vendor inventory lists and receipts
- ✅ Count your cards before and after viewing
- ✅ Watch for distraction techniques (one person talks while another takes)
Personal Collection Protection:
- ✅ Use binder sleeves and secure closures
- ✅ Don't leave binders unattended on tables
- ✅ Keep high-value cards in inner jacket pockets
- ✅ Be aware of people standing too close
If Theft Occurs:
- Report to event organizers immediately
- Request CCTV footage if available
- File police report with event details
- Share description in community groups (with organizer approval)
- Provide serial numbers for graded cards
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What to Do If You've Been Scammed
Immediate Actions (Within 24 Hours):
1. Document Everything:
- Screenshot all conversations
- Save payment confirmations
- Record seller's details (name, number, account handles, UEN)
- Note any witnesses or group members involved
2. Attempt Contact:
- Send final message requesting refund
- Give 24-48 hour deadline
- Keep tone professional and factual
- Screenshot their response or lack thereof
3. Report to Platform:
- Carousell: Report user via app, provide evidence
- Telegram: Report to group admins and Telegram support
- Facebook: Report listing and user profile
- PayPal: Open dispute within 180 days
4. Alert Community:
- Post warning in relevant Facebook groups (with evidence)
- Share details in Telegram groups
- Provide scammer's details for community awareness
- Include screenshots and transaction proof
Filing a Police Report:
Required Information:
- Scammer's name (real or username)
- Phone number and/or UEN used
- Platform(s) used (Carousell, Telegram, etc.)
- Transaction amount and date
- Evidence (screenshots, payment confirmations)
- Any identifying information (addresses, business names)
How to File:
- Online: i-Witness at police.gov.sg
- In-person: Any Neighbourhood Police Centre
- Hotline: 1800-255-0000 (non-emergency)
What Police May Do:
- Investigate under Cheating offenses (Penal Code Section 420)
- Contact scammer if traceable
- Work with banks to freeze accounts (if reported quickly)
- Build case if multiple victims report same person
Bank Recovery Options:
For Bank Transfers (PayNow/Fast):
- Contact your bank immediately (within hours if possible)
- Request transaction recall
- File dispute claim
- Success rate is low but worth attempting
For Credit Card Payments:
- Initiate chargeback with card issuer
- Provide evidence of non-delivery or fraud
- 60-day window typically available
For PayPal:
- Open dispute within 180 days
- Select "Item Not Received" or "Significantly Not As Described"
- Provide evidence and tracking information
- PayPal Buyer Protection may cover full amount
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Red Flags Summary: Quick Reference Guide
🚨 CRITICAL Red Flags (Walk Away Immediately):
- Seller refuses meetup for high-value items ($200+ SGD)
- Requests payment via cryptocurrency or gift cards
- Won't provide PSA/BGS certification number for graded cards
- Account created within last 7 days with expensive listings
- Pressures immediate payment before you can verify
- Deletes messages during conversation
- Won't video call to show product
- Payment method changes last minute
- Provides inconsistent information about product
- Other community members warn against this seller
⚠️ Warning Signs (Proceed with Extreme Caution):
- Account less than 3 months old
- Zero or very few reviews/transactions
- Only accepts UEN payment
- Avoids answering specific questions about product
- Photos are generic or watermarked from other sources
- Pricing is significantly below market value
- Meetup location keeps changing
- Won't provide additional photos
- Communication feels rushed or pressured
- No social media presence outside selling platform
✅ Positive Indicators (Generally Safer):
- Account 1+ years old with regular activity
- 50+ positive reviews across multiple platforms
- Responsive to questions with detailed answers
- Provides fresh timestamped photos willingly
- Suggests public meetup location proactively
- Offers multiple payment options including buyer-protected methods
- Active participant in community groups
- Can provide references from other collectors
- Verified business registration (for vendors)
- Vouched for by established community members
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Building Your Scam-Proof Buying Strategy
For Beginners (First 10 Purchases):
1. Start small: Only buy cards under $50 SGD until you build experience
2. Meetup only: Avoid mailing/shipping for your first 10 transactions
3. Established sellers only: Buy from accounts with 50+ positive reviews
4. Bring a friend: Have experienced collector accompany you
5. Join communities: Participate in Facebook/Telegram groups for 2-3 weeks before buying
6. Ask questions: Experienced collectors are usually happy to help verify sellers
For Intermediate Collectors:
1. Build seller relationships: Develop trust with 3-5 regular vendors
2. Verify before high-value purchases: Always check graded card certifications
3. Use buyer protection: PayPal Goods & Services for online transactions
4. Cross-platform verification: Check seller's presence across multiple platforms
5. Document transactions: Keep records of all purchases over $100 SGD
6. Stay updated: Monitor scammer alerts in community groups
For Advanced Collectors (High-Value Transactions):
1. Reputation verification: Research seller extensively before $500+ purchases
2. Video verification: Request video call to show card condition before payment
3. Escrow for big purchases: Use trusted third party for $1,000+ transactions
4. Insurance: Ship high-value items with full insurance and tracking
5. Legal agreements: Consider written purchase agreements for $5,000+ items
6. Professional authentication: Use third-party authentication for rare vintage
7. Community consultation: Ask experienced collectors for seller vouches
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How tcgTalk Helps Protect Singapore Collectors
Verified Seller Badges:
tcgTalk implements multi-level seller verification:
- Email & Phone Verified: Basic authentication
- Transaction History Verified: Minimum 20 completed sales
- Business Registration Verified: ACRA UEN cross-referenced
- Community Vouched: Endorsed by established collectors
Scammer Database:
tcgTalk maintains a community-reported scammer list including:
- Known scammer handles (Telegram, Carousell, Facebook)
- UEN numbers associated with fraud
- Modus operandi patterns
- Platform ban history
- Police report numbers (where available)
Users can check seller details against this database before transactions.
Transaction Mediation:
For high-value sales ($500+ SGD), tcgTalk offers:
- Escrow services through trusted community members
- Price verification against market data
- Authentication guidance for rare cards
- Dispute resolution mediation
Community Reporting:
tcgTalk provides:
- Anonymous scam reporting system
- Real-time scammer alerts to community
- Evidence submission portal
- Collaboration with platform administrators
- Police liaison for serious cases
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Legal Consequences for Scammers
Criminal Penalties in Singapore:
Cheating (Section 420, Penal Code):
- Imprisonment up to 10 years
- Fine
- Both imprisonment and fine
Multiple counts aggregate:
- Scamming 10 victims for $500 each = $5,000 total
- Can face enhanced penalties for organized fraud
Recent Prosecutions:
Singapore police have successfully prosecuted online scammers with prison sentences ranging from 6 months to 3 years for Pokemon card and collectibles fraud.
Civil Recovery:
Victims can pursue civil claims:
- Small Claims Tribunal (up to $20,000 SGD)
- District Court (higher amounts)
- Lawyer fees may apply for District Court
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Prevention is Better Than Recovery
The 48-Hour Rule:
For transactions over $100 SGD, implement a mandatory 48-hour waiting period:
Day 1:
- Initial contact and product discussion
- Request photos and verification details
- Check seller across platforms
- Ask community for vouches
Day 2:
- Review all information collected
- Verify PSA/BGS certifications if applicable
- Confirm meetup details or shipping terms
- Screenshot all conversations
Day 3:
- Proceed with transaction if all checks pass
- Walk away if ANY red flags remain unresolved
This cooling-off period prevents impulse purchases and pressure tactics from working.
The Vouching System:
Before any transaction over $200 SGD:
1. Ask seller for 3 references from previous buyers
2. Contact these references directly (not through seller)
3. Verify transactions actually occurred
4. Ask about seller's communication and reliability
5. Cross-check references aren't fake accounts (check their account age/activity)
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Teaching New Collectors: Community Responsibility
For Group Admins:
- Post scammer alerts immediately when reported
- Maintain pinned message with current scam warnings
- Verify new members before approving posts
- Remove suspicious accounts proactively
- Create verification process for vendors
For Experienced Collectors:
- Welcome new members and offer guidance
- Share your verification process openly
- Call out suspicious behavior politely
- Offer to accompany new collectors to first meetups
- Report scammers to admins and platforms
For Everyone:
- Report scams even if you weren't victimized
- Share scammer alerts across multiple groups
- Don't shame victims—scammers are sophisticated
- Educate rather than criticize
- Build a supportive, protective community
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Conclusion: Stay Smart, Stay Safe
The Singapore Pokemon card community is vibrant, passionate, and growing. Unfortunately, this growth attracts bad actors looking to exploit trust and enthusiasm.
Remember:
1. Legitimate sellers want your repeat business - they'll happily verify authenticity, meet in person, and use buyer-protected payment methods
2. Trust is earned, not given - new accounts must prove themselves through successful small transactions before being trusted with large sums
3. Community protection is collective - reporting scammers helps everyone
4. Your safety matters more than any card - walk away from uncomfortable situations
5. Prevention is easier than recovery - spending 30 minutes verifying a seller saves months of frustration trying to recover money
Report Scammers:
If you encounter suspicious activity:
- Carousell: In-app report feature
- Telegram: Report to group admins
- Facebook: Report user and marketplace listing
- Police: File report at police.gov.sg or any NPC
- tcgTalk: Submit to community scammer database
Stay Updated:
Scam tactics evolve constantly. Stay informed through:
- Singapore Pokemon collector Telegram groups
- Facebook community pages
- tcgTalk scammer alerts
- Platform safety updates
Together, we can keep Singapore's Pokemon card community safe, trustworthy, and enjoyable for all collectors.
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Have you encountered a scam attempt? Share your experience (anonymously if preferred) to help protect other collectors.
Join the discussion in the tcgTalk Community Forum or report suspicious activity through our Scammer Alert System.
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This advisory is compiled from real community reports and incident patterns observed in Singapore Pokemon card collecting communities from 2024-2026. Information is provided for educational purposes. Always verify independently and trust your instincts.
Stay safe, collect wisely, and support legitimate vendors who make this hobby great.
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