Indianapolis‑area businessman Brian Shafer announced a personal reward of $5,000 to $10,000 for tips that help recover thousands of collectible trading cards stolen from a FedEx shipment outside Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) in Santa Ana, California last week.
Creating a Community‑Driven Database
Shafer, who helped develop CollectorRecovery.org, explained to FOX59 that the site turns PSA’s 6,400‑item list of suspected stolen cards into a searchable database. Collectors can enter PSA certification numbers or serial numbers to flag items that may have been taken.
“Imagine sending some of your collectible items in to be professionally graded, whether those are sports cards or comic books, just to find out that they’ve been stolen before they’re returned back to you,” Shafer said.
Scale of the Theft
PSA initially reported a few hundred cards missing, but later updated the figure to several thousand. Shafer estimates the total value could range from $900,000 to as much as $10 million.
He emphasized that his reward is offered independently of PSA or FedEx. “I have zero affiliation with PSA or FedEx,” he said, “but it’s mainly to kind of do something ourselves as a card community.”
Why the Initiative Matters
Shafer noted that theft has become a growing concern as the trading‑card market expands and values rise. By providing a free, searchable tool and a financial incentive, he hopes to empower collectors to work together and deter future crimes.
“We have strength in numbers, so we can sort of fight this thing from happening over and over again,” Shafer added.
How Collectors Can Help
Anyone with information about the missing cards can submit tips through CollectorRecovery.org. The site allows users to cross‑reference PSA certification numbers and serial numbers, making it easier for investigators to pinpoint specific items.
Shafer’s effort reflects a broader trend of hobbyists using technology and community collaboration to protect valuable collectibles. While the theft occurred on the West Coast, the response is coming from the heartland, underscoring the nationwide nature of the hobby.
Looking Ahead
Shafer hopes the combination of a public database and a substantial reward will generate leads, recover the stolen items, and return them to their rightful owners. He also encourages other collectors to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
