As a father of three children who adore Pokemon cards and collecting them, it has been incredibly disheartening to see how difficult it has become to secure any product in stores. Buying anything in person is almost impossible nowadays, leaving online sales as my only option. However, the presence of bots and scalpers has made it near impossible to obtain products online as well. This issue profoundly affects not only my family but countless other hobbyists, collectors, and fellow Pokemon enthusiasts who are facing the same struggle.

Online vendors like Target, Walmart, PokemonCenter, Sam's Club, and Costco all have a responsibility to their genuine customers. It’s about time they strengthen their bot protection measures and implement human verification systems. By adding these security measures, these retailers can prevent scalpers from saturating the market, controlling inventory, and unfairly driving up the prices of sealed products.

Scalping has become a pervasive issue, hijacking the joy of collecting and trading by manipulating availability and market prices. This problem not only disrupts the natural supply and demand balance but also transforms a beloved hobby into an inaccessible luxury. The current situation demands immediate action, with more robust software defenses and practical verification processes to thwart those who aim to exploit the system at the cost of genuine fans and families.

I urge these major retailers to act promptly and secure their platforms. Introducing enhanced bot security and human verification protocols can ensure a fairer purchasing space for every hobbyist, parent, and child eager to indulge in their collecting passion without being outpriced or outmatched by bots.

Please stand with me and countless others affected by signing this petition to demand practical solutions for a fairer, more accessible, and enjoyable collecting experience. Let's #TakeBackTheHobby and make sure everyone gets a fair chance at purchasing their favorites without undue stress and inflated costs.