Pokemon Company Introduces Facial Recognition System to Combat

Pokemon card scalpers are generally regarded as the worst part of the hobby, and in Japan, The Pokemon Company is taking steps to address the problem.

The Pokemon Company is implementing a facial recognition system for adult shoppers and certain age groups to ensure a safe shopping environment at Pokemon Card Stores. Customers will only be allowed one entry per day, with preschoolers exempt from the scans but requiring adult supervision. The system will deny entry to individuals attempting multiple visits, enhancing security measures.

Initially, this measure will be exclusive to Japanese Pokemon card shops. The rise in scalping Pokemon cards has made it difficult for regular players to access new stock, leading to a surge in burglaries targeting collectible shops. Recent incidents include a theft of over $100,000 worth of collectibles from a Pokemon store and chaos at a Pokemon promotion in Amsterdam due to scalpers.