My kids and I have a passion for collecting trading cards. It's a hobby that connects us and brings so much joy into our lives. However, recently, it's become increasingly difficult, almost impossible, to purchase these cards online through major retailers like Walmart and Target. The reason? Bots. These automated systems buy up the inventory the moment it's restocked, leaving genuine collectors like us empty-handed.

For many families, collecting cards, action figures, or other collectibles is more than just a pastime—it's a tradition passed down through generations. It's about the thrill of finding a rare card, the joy of a successful trade, and the community built around shared interests. But with the rise of technology and its misuse, the essence of collecting is under threat.

Bots are programmed to purchase large quantities of inventory at lightning speeds, far surpassing the capabilities of human buyers. This technical advantage not only deprives genuine customers of the chance to buy items at their intended price, but it also creates an unfair market where these products are resold at inflated prices by third parties. This profiteering exploits enthusiastic collectors and hurts our families financially.

Major retailers like Walmart and Target have the resources and technology to combat this issue, yet they haven't implemented effective solutions. By adopting stronger security measures, such as CAPTCHA tests, transaction limits, and sophisticated algorithms that detect and deter bot activities, they can level the playing field for all shoppers.

What we're asking is for these retail giants to acknowledge the issue and take decisive action to stop bots from dominating online sales. They can partner with cybersecurity experts to devise and implement robust anti-bot solutions, thus ensuring that genuine customers have fair access to purchase the items they cherish.

Please join us in asking Walmart and Target to protect their customers' interests and preserve the integrity of collecting. Sign this petition to support real collectors and families who cherish this hobby, and urge these retailers to lead the charge in creating a fairer purchasing environment for all.