Pokemon Go Account Selling: How It Works

Yes, Pokemon Go players have been selling accounts since shortly after the game launched in 2016, and a robust gray market for them exists today. This article explains how that market works, what buyers and sellers should know, and the risks involved.

Why Players Sell Pokemon Go Accounts

There are several common reasons someone puts a Pokemon Go account up for sale:

• Quitting the game: A player loses interest or doesn’t have time, and wants to recover some money from their invested hours.
• Rare Pokemon collection: Accounts with shiny Pokemon, legacy movesets, or region-exclusive creatures can command higher prices.
• High level with resources: High-level accounts with lots of Stardust, Candy, or rare items save a new player months of grinding.
• Regional or event exclusives: An account that has Pokemon only available in a specific country (like Kangaskhan or Mr. Mime) is attractive to collectors elsewhere.

How the Selling Process Works

Sales typically happen on third-party marketplaces, Discord servers, or social media groups dedicated to Pokemon Go trading. The process usually follows these steps:

1. The seller lists the account with screenshots of the Pokedex, level, and notable Pokemon.
2. Buyer and seller agree on a price, often paid through a payment service like PayPal or a digital currency.
3. The seller provides the login credentials (usually a Google or Facebook login, or a Niantic Kids account for younger players).
4. The buyer changes the password and email to take full control.

Some sellers also offer a middleman service to reduce scam risk, where a trusted third party holds the payment until the buyer confirms the account details work.

Risks for Buyers

Buying a Pokemon Go account carries significant risks that aren’t always obvious:

• Account recovery scams: The original owner might contact Niantic support with proof of identity and reclaim the account after you’ve paid.
• Ban risk: Niantic’s Terms of Service prohibit account selling, and accounts that are bought or sold can be flagged and permanently banned.
• Fake listings: Screenshots can be edited; the account you receive may not match the listing.
• No buyer protection: Most payment platforms won’t refund you if the seller disappears after payment.

Risks for Sellers

Selling also has downsides for the seller:

• Payment chargebacks: A buyer can dispute the payment after receiving the account, leaving you without the money and without the account.
• Account ban: If Niantic detects the account being accessed from a new device or location, it may trigger a ban, which ruins the sale.
• Scams: Some buyers will ask for the account first, promising to pay later, then never pay.

How to Choose a Reliable Listing (If You Must)

If you decide to proceed despite the risks, here are some factors to consider:

• Use a middleman: A reputable middleman reduces the chance of a scam, but verify the middleman’s reputation separately.
• Check the account’s history: Ask for a video of the account (not just screenshots) showing the Pokedex and level.
• Look for established sellers: Sellers with a long history and positive feedback on a marketplace are less likely to run a scam.
• Understand the login method: Accounts linked to a Google account are generally easier to transfer than those linked to a Facebook account with security features.

Costs and Pricing

There is no official price list; prices are set by the market. Factors that influence price include:

• Account level (higher is better)
• Number of shiny Pokemon and rare regionals
• Amount of Stardust and Candy
• Exclusive moves or legacy moves
• Whether the account has any prior warnings or bans

Prices can range from a few dollars for a low-level account to hundreds for a maxed-out collection with rare Pokemon.

Alternatives to Buying an Account

Instead of purchasing an account, consider these legitimate alternatives:

• Trade with other players: Pokemon Go supports in-game trading, so you can obtain regionals and rare Pokemon without breaking the rules.
• Start fresh: A new account can reach level 30 in a few weeks with active play, and you’ll have full control.
• Use spoofing alternatives (not recommended): Some players use GPS spoofing to catch regionals, but this violates the Terms of Service and can result in a ban.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is selling Pokemon Go accounts illegal?

It’s not illegal in most countries, but it violates Niantic’s Terms of Service. Niantic can ban accounts that are bought or sold, and they have done so in the past.

Can I get my money back if the account is banned after purchase?

Usually not. Payment platforms like PayPal typically don’t cover virtual goods that are banned after purchase, and sellers rarely offer refunds. Always use a middleman and pay with a method that offers some protection.

How do I know if an account is safe to buy?

You can’t be 100% sure. Look for sellers with a long history, ask for a live video, and check if the account has any recent warnings. Even then, the original owner might reclaim it.

What happens if Niantic finds out I bought an account?

Niantic can permanently ban the account. They have systems to detect unusual login patterns, and they can also respond to reports from other players.

Can I sell my account and then start a new one?

Yes, you can, but be aware that Niantic may link your new account to your old one through your device or payment method, which could lead to a ban on your new account as well.

Are there any legitimate ways to get region-exclusive Pokemon without buying?

Yes, trading with players who have traveled, or attending Pokemon Go events where regionals are sometimes made available globally. You can also use the game’s friend system to trade remotely.

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