Today, I was banned from Pokémon GO for ten years due to an alleged fake Wayfarer nomination in Zevenbergen. (This is also my first ban. I have never been banned before. I was immediately given a severe punishment.)
While helping another Wayfinder review locations and waypoints in the area, I came across the sign next to the weeping willow. Because this sign physically exists at that location, I decided to submit it as a nomination.
My intention was never to submit fake or misleading nominations. On the contrary, I was trying to help another player and provide accurate information to both the player and Niantic. During my route, I encountered an object that genuinely exists, and that is why I nominated it.
To my surprise, this resulted in a ten-year ban. I fully understand and support Niantic’s efforts to take action against abuse and fake nominations. I also understand that Zevenbergen may be receiving additional scrutiny due to previous issues involving inaccurate nominations.
However, in this case, I acted in good faith and nominated an object that I personally verified to exist on location.
For clarity, there had previously been a fake nomination involving an AI-generated image. When I later visited the location myself, I discovered that there was in fact an official sign present. Based on what I observed on site, I decided to submit a nomination because the object genuinely exists.
I kindly request that this case be reviewed again. I can provide photographs and other evidence showing that the sign is genuinely present at the stated location. My intention has always been to provide accurate and honest information and to make a positive contribution to the Wayfarer community.
It feels particularly unfair that an attempt to help the community and provide accurate information has resulted in such a severe penalty on my account. I was simply trying to help another player and document the situation correctly, yet I now find myself facing a lengthy ban.
Finally, I would like to say that I now almost regret trying to help. My actions were motivated by good intentions: I wanted to assist another player and provide accurate information to Niantic. It is therefore very disappointing that my effort to help has ultimately resulted in a ban on my account.
I hope that a further review will show that I acted in good faith and that my intention was never to submit fake or misleading nominations, but rather to make a positive contribution to the community.
Thank you in advance for your time, attention, and consideration of this matter. I sincerely hope that this case can be reviewed again.
Kind Regards, Milo
