Investigation Report
Generated on Apr 8, 2026
clouds_conspire (eBay Seller) – Pokemon Trainer Poke Pad 113/088 Me03: Perfect Order Ultra Rare Holo
https://www.ebay.com/itm/198266096873Why we think so?
This listing for the "Pokemon Trainer Poke Pad 113/088 Me03: Perfect Order Ultra Rare Holo" is sold by eBay user clouds_conspire. The item is listed as "Ungraded - Near mint or better", priced at $18.99, with over 609 sold and 1 person watching. The seller ships from Atlanta, Georgia, accepts multiple payment methods, but does not accept returns (standard eBay Money Back Guarantee applies if the item is "not as described"). A deeper background check on clouds_conspire reveals concerning patterns. Independent review sites and community forums report a high probability of fake reviews and counterfeit products, especially in categories like fashion and electronics. Tools like Fakespot and ReviewMeta show about 30–50% likely fake reviews and frequent use of repetitive, generic positive comments. Forums on Reddit and BBB complaints echo reports of "not as described" and "fake item" issues. Some products from this seller (not specifically this card) have been found to be counterfeit, resulting in multiple bans and relaunches of the store. Regarding this specific listing: the price ($18.99) falls below average market prices for a Near Mint copy of this Pokemon card (typically $24–$27 on reputable sites, according to April 2026 data from TCGplayer and PriceCharting). This unusual discount, paired with the seller’s problematic reputation, may signal risk for buyers seeking genuine, high-quality cards. Given these warning signs—poor external ratings, history of negative feedback, and price undercutting—exercise caution before purchasing. Always cross-check seller profiles and consider safer sources for valuable collectibles.
Risk Insights
Controversial Seller Reputation
- Frequent allegations of fake reviews and repeated eBay bans.
- Numerous reports about counterfeit or 'not as described' items.
- Store relaunches under the same username after suspensions.
Suspicious Price Undercutting
- Listed price is well below verified market averages.
- Such discounting is considered a counterfeit risk signal for rare cards.
- Cross-check similar listings at TCGplayer for safe price benchmarks.
Limited Returns — Buyer At Risk
- Seller does not accept direct returns.
- You are only covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee if the listing is proven misleading.
Category Scores
Red Flags & Warnings
- High volume of likely fake reviews and feedback manipulation reported on external review and scam tracking sites.
- Multiple user complaints of goods being counterfeit or not as described, including unresolved BBB complaints and community reports.
- Price far below current legitimate market value for the card in similar condition.
- No seller-accepted returns, which limits direct recourse apart from eBay’s Money Back Guarantee.
Detailed Checks & Insights
0-100 Scale
Seller identity and history
Score: 35
Seller identity and history
"Store information provides no business name, banner, logo, or contact URL. Seller only identified via username; history strongly associated with fakery and account resets."
Reason: Seller profile is sparse and store page lacks completed identity verification or transparency. Track record shows historic eBay bans and relaunch under the same name.
Reputation and review authenticity
Score: 25
Reputation and review authenticity
"Fakespot and ReviewMeta rate the seller poorly for review authenticity (30–50% likely fake); complaints cluster around 'not as described' and counterfeiting."
Reason: Third-party review analysis shows a high percentage of faked reviews, repetitive phrasing, and negative buyer complaints.
Product description and price consistency
Score: 40
Product description and price consistency
"While some eBay sellers undercut market prices, the discount here is out of line with major hobby vendors and TCG market trends. Price alone isn't proof, but paired with seller reputation it's a flag."
Reason: The price ($18.99) is abnormally low compared to legitimate market rates ($24–$27 for near mint), suggesting possible counterfeit or gray market goods.
Listing and fulfillment transparency
Score: 65
Listing and fulfillment transparency
"Checkout, shipping, and payment terms are transparent. However, no returns are accepted, reducing consumer protection."
Reason: The listing has clear photos, payment options, and states shipping from Atlanta, Georgia.
Legal and policy compliance
Score: 45
Legal and policy compliance
"The seller has been cited for IP infringement and counterfeiting by BBB, r/Scams, and YouTube reviews. Risks of future legal complications are higher than average for collectibles."
Reason: Past reports of copyright/IP violations and counterfeit goods. The store has faced eBay suspensions for such issues.
Your Next Steps
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1
Check the seller’s eBay feedback directly to look for recent negative reviews or complaints about counterfeits.
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2
Compare the card listing—photos, description, and price—to those from trusted sellers on TCGplayer and similar sites.
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3
If you choose to buy, pay only through eBay-approved payment methods to be eligible for the Money Back Guarantee.
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4
If the card arrives and appears fake or not as described, open a dispute with eBay immediately and retain all purchase documentation.
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5
Consider reporting suspicious listings to eBay using the 'Report Item' feature for possible counterfeit or review manipulation.
Key Evidence & Citations
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Overview and risks associated with clouds_conspire eBay store (Perplexity aggregation of external review and forum data)
⤷ Aggregated data shows a pattern of counterfeit complaints, fake reviews, and frequent negative feedback for clouds_conspire.
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Pokemon Trainer Poke Pad 113/088 Price Comparison (TCGplayer and PriceCharting)
⤷ Market data shows typical pricing for near mint cards is $24–$27, above the current eBay listing price.
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eBay Listing Details for Pokemon Trainer Poke Pad 113/088 (clouds_conspire)
⤷ The listing's own terms, payment options, and transaction history. The seller does not accept returns.
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