CardCave Japan (Ebay) Investigation & Evidence Report
Generated on Jan 16, 2026
CardCave Japan eBay Seller & Mega Hawlucha ex SAR 239/193 Listing Legitimacy Analysis
https://www.ebay.com/itm/127530057520Why we think so?
CardCave Japan operates a well-stocked eBay store based in Chiba, Japan, specializing in Japanese Pokémon cards—including the Mega Hawlucha ex SAR 239/193 currently listed for $21.80. The seller offers 90+ similar card listings with prices that match current market rates (typically about $14–$35 for this card). While no outside sources directly accuse CardCave Japan of selling counterfeit cards or manipulating reviews, general caution is still advised with Japanese TCG sellers due to broader risks (like resealed packs or weighed boxes). Notably, this seller’s listing is popular (98 watchers, 169 sold, 16 in carts), ships from Japan at no cost, but does not accept returns except through eBay Money Back Guarantee. Recent third-party checks, image review, and available feedback show no clear red flags, but buyers should still inspect listing photos and check buyer protections to minimize risk. 🛡️
Risk Insights
Market Price Check 🛡️
- Listing price ($21.80) matches general Japanese and global TCG market averages for this card.
- Reduces risk of price-based scam manipulation.
Buyer Protection
- eBay Money Back Guarantee active on this listing.
- No-returns except when item is not as described—standard for niche collectibles.
General TCG Seller Caution
- Hobby forums warn about Japanese card sellers in general, especially for sealed or ultra-high-value cards.
- No direct accusations found against CardCave Japan.
Category Scores
Red Flags & Warnings
- General warnings exist online about buying Japanese cards on eBay (risks include resealed product, weighed packs, and occasional fakes). CardCave Japan is not specifically accused but caution is advised.
- Seller does not accept returns except through eBay’s Money Back Guarantee, which limits direct recourse for simple change-of-mind returns.
Detailed Checks & Insights
0-100 Scale
Seller identity is consistent and traceable
Score: 95
Seller identity is consistent and traceable
"The seller's name, store URL, and card specialization are consistent across all references."
Reason: CardCave Japan’s eBay store is well established with consistent branding, a dedicated storefront, and 92+ product listings.
Product description, images, and pricing are legitimate and match market standards
Score: 93
Product description, images, and pricing are legitimate and match market standards
"Pricing aligns with top online TCG vendors; images are product-specific and not obvious stock art."
Reason: Photos and details for Mega Hawlucha ex SAR 239/193 align with community documentation and price checks from reputable sources.
Sales and feedback history indicate authentic trading activity
Score: 91
Sales and feedback history indicate authentic trading activity
"While explicit seller feedback is not detailed, the overall activity pattern is consistent with a legitimate business."
Reason: Over 169 sales, 98 watchers, and multiple carts for this one listing, with additional store inventory and ongoing activity.
No credible reports of fake cards, manipulated reviews, or past scams
Score: 92
No credible reports of fake cards, manipulated reviews, or past scams
"General platform warnings exist for this category but do not mention this seller directly."
Reason: No current threads, reviews, or scam warnings specifically targeting CardCave Japan.
Return & recourse policies protect buyers if problems occur
Score: 90
Return & recourse policies protect buyers if problems occur
"No general returns policy (buyer remorse), but fraud/misrepresentation still covered under eBay’s guarantees."
Reason: eBay Money Back Guarantee applies for not-as-described claims, providing a safety net, but returns aren’t otherwise accepted.
Broader external signals: Market reputation & seller risk context provided
Score: 90
Broader external signals: Market reputation & seller risk context provided
"Caution is prudent in this hobby category, but no concrete negative evidence found for this seller."
Reason: Sources note a rise in Pokémon TCG scams from Japanese eBay sellers but CardCave Japan receives neither negative nor positive singling out.
Your Next Steps
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1
Read the eBay listing page closely and compare the photos to known examples—look for details that match authentic Japanese Pokémon cards.
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2
Use eBay buyer protection (Money Back Guarantee) and pay using a traceable method (PayPal, major card).
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3
Avoid buying large sealed lots or high-value graded cards unless you can verify the seller’s track record with those specific products.
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4
If authenticity is critical, check the received card’s print quality, set codes, and texture against trusted online community references.
Key Evidence & Citations
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CardCave Japan (eBay): Counterfeit & Scam Risk Overview
⤷ No direct evidence links this seller to fake cards or fake reviews, but general warnings apply for all Japanese eBay Pokémon sellers.
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Mega Hawlucha ex SAR 239/193 - Price Comparisons (TCG Republic, TCGPlayer, Sports Card Investor)
⤷ Listing price matches market range cited across several trusted card-selling platforms.
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CardCave Japan’s eBay Listing & Sales Activity
⤷ The eBay product listing documents sales numbers, available quantity, watcher count, and listing details.
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CardCave Japan eBay Store Profile
⤷ Storefront shows many related Pokémon singles for sale, supporting inventory legitimacy and product focus.
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