illphated
Where People Buy and Sell Pokémon GO Accounts Online — and Why You Should Think Twice
By illphated
If you’ve ever thought about buying or selling a Pokémon GO account, you’re definitely not alone. Whether it’s the allure of having a full Pokédex, a stash of Shinies, or a Level 50 badge without the grind, the temptation is real. But before you dive into the world of account trading, let’s break down where this happens, how it works, and the serious risks that come with it.
The Unofficial Marketplaces
Even though it’s against Niantic’s Terms of Service to sell or buy Pokémon GO accounts, people still do it. The market is very much alive—and surprisingly active. Websites like PlayerAuctions and G2G are major platforms where buyers can browse listings of Pokémon GO accounts. These sites often show seller ratings and claim to offer buyer protection, but the risk is always there.
EpicNPC is another go-to destination. It’s more of a forum-based community, where users post their accounts and negotiate deals directly. There’s less structure and protection here, but plenty of traffic.
You’ll also see activity happening in private Discord servers, often linked subtly through Reddit or YouTube comments. These communities are invite-only and move fast, constantly shifting to avoid bans and shutdowns.
Yes, some people even try to sell accounts on eBay, but Niantic tends to clamp down on that quickly. Listings often get removed, and even if you snag an account there, it might be flagged the moment you log in.
The Hidden Dangers
Let’s get real—buying or selling a Pokémon GO account is risky business. Niantic’s system can detect transferred accounts based on IPs, device IDs, and behavioral patterns. If you’re caught? Your account could be permanently banned, and there’s no going back.
On top of that, there are no guarantees. Some accounts get sold to multiple buyers. Some sellers disappear after payment. And even if the account works for a few weeks, it could get recovered by the original owner or flagged at any moment.
Scams are common. Protections offered by third-party sites are limited at best. Once the money is gone, it’s usually gone for good.
Are There Safer Alternatives?
If your real goal is to level up faster or access rare Pokémon, there are ways to do that without risking your account or your wallet.
Try participating in in-game XP events. Maximize friend bonuses. Use items like Lucky Eggs during Spotlight Hours. Adventure Sync can passively rack up steps and distance for you without lifting a finger. If you really want to grind, there are even legit Discord communities that coordinate raids and trading.
Some sites offer “leveling services” where someone logs into your account and plays for you, but be warned: that’s also against Niantic’s rules and comes with many of the same risks.
The Bottom Line
Yes, people are buying and selling Pokémon GO accounts every day. And yes, it’s a huge underground economy. But it’s also a house of cards built on risky transactions and broken rules. If you care about your account—or the integrity of your gameplay—you’re better off staying away from the black market.
Still curious about what makes a Pokémon GO account “valuable”? In a future post, I’ll break down what buyers actually look for, from regional exclusives to shiny trophies and more.
Until then, stay smart, stay safe, and happy hunting.
— illphated