“PGC” Pokémon Grading (thepgc.org) a Scam?🚩

TL;DR: A Pokémon grading service operating as “PGC” (thepgc.org) ran by "Gym Leader Joshua" shows multiple warning signs—including unclear ownership, contradictory nonprofit claims, heavy trademark reliance, and documented buyer confusion. Collectors are strongly advised to avoid using or purchasing graded cards from this operation.

Who Is “PGC” (thepgc.org)?

PGC presents itself as a Pokémon-only card grading service, offering paid grading bundles and selling graded cards through its website and on eBay under the seller name thepgc.

At first glance, it appears similar to established grading companies. A closer look raises serious concerns.

🚩 Red Flag #1: No Identifiable Legal Entity

Despite taking payments and selling graded collectibles:

• No LLC, corporation, or registered nonprofit name is disclosed

• No EIN or charity registration number is provided

• No owner (Gym Leader Joshua?), director, or officer is named

• No registered agent is listed

The site provides only a mailing address in Ohio and a generic email address.

789 Hebron Road, Suite# 2164, Heath, Ohio. 43056

Which when checked on google maps it is nothing more than a Post Office address.

A legitimate grading company handling valuable collectibles should clearly disclose who is legally responsible for the business.

🚩 Red Flag #2: Contradictory “Nonprofit Charity” Claims

PGC repeatedly claims it:

• “Operates as an international nonprofit charity”

• Is non-tax deductible

• Is not registered

At the same time, the same website:

• Sells graded cards

• Charges fixed prices for grading services

• Operates a commercial eBay store

These positions directly contradict each other.

Nonprofits engaged in commerce are still required to be registered, transparent, and compliant with charity and consumer-protection laws. Claiming nonprofit status while operating retail sales—without registration—raises major compliance concerns.

🚩 Red Flag #3: Heavy Pokémon Branding + Commercial Use

PGC’s entire brand identity is built around Pokémon:

• Pokémon is in the company description

• Pokémon imagery and references are central to marketing

• All services are Pokémon-only

Yet the site claims its use is “non-commercial” and “fair use.”

This is difficult to reconcile with:

• Paid grading services

• Retail card sales

• Ongoing marketplace activity

This places the operation at risk of trademark enforcement by The Pokémon Company, and buyers could be affected if listings are removed or accounts are restricted.

🚩 Red Flag #4: Documented Buyer Confusion About Grading Legitimacy

Public feedback on eBay—visible to anyone—includes verified buyers warning others that:

• PGC uses its own proprietary grading scale

• The name is confusingly similar to other grading companies

• Grades may not align with industry expectations

Some buyers explicitly caution others to inspect images closely and understand that the grading is not comparable to established graders.

This is not normal for a trusted grading service.

🚩 Red Flag #5: Platform Shielding & Accountability Gaps

Because sales are routed through eBay:

• Buyers never transact directly with PGC as a merchant

• Refunds and disputes are handled by the platform

• The grading company itself remains insulated

This structure makes it harder for consumers to resolve disputes or hold the operator directly accountable.

Why This Matters to Collectors

Grading is about trust.

When a grading company:

• Has no disclosed legal owner

• Makes conflicting claims about its status

• Relies heavily on trademarked brands

• Generates buyer confusion about grades

• Avoids transparency

…the risk shifts entirely onto the consumer.

Cards graded by such an operation may:

• Be difficult to resell

• Be rejected by serious collectors

• Lose value

• Be associated with future enforcement actions

Bottom Line: Avoid and Proceed With Extreme Caution

Based on publicly available information:

• PGC does not meet basic transparency standards

• Its claims and operations contain material contradictions

• There is documented consumer confusion

• The grading lacks recognized industry credibility

Collectors are strongly advised to avoid submitting cards to PGC or purchasing PGC-graded cards.

There are well-established grading companies with clear ownership, recognized standards, and long track records. When it comes to collectibles, opacity is risk—and risk costs money.