Question about PokéStop photos and possible multi-account use

General Discussion
1

Hi, I have a question regarding a PokéStop and possible multi-account abuse.

I suspect that one person may be using multiple accounts for this PokéStop.
The reasons are:

  • The location is reachable from inside that person’s house
  • The submitted photos appear to all come from accounts that are part of the same multi-account group (about 7 accounts)

So I would like to ask:

  1. Is it possible for the player who uploaded a photo to remove their own photo from a PokéStop?
  2. Is it possible that the original photo submitted by a different player was removed, leaving only photos from these accounts?
  3. Is there any way for regular players (not Niantic) to check who submitted a PokéStop?

I want to avoid making incorrect reports, so I would appreciate any guidance.

2

Not directly. They can ask Help Chat to remove a photo if the photo does not meet criteria.

Yes, that is possible.

Not really. I don’t understand how knowing this would help you.

I assume that you suspect attempted game manipulation. I think this would be difficult to get Niantic to take action on.

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3

Thanks for your response.

The reason I asked about identifying the submitter is that if the same person using multiple accounts also submitted the PokéStop, I thought it could be relevant when reporting potential abuse.

Also, just to clarify, when you say it would be difficult for Niantic to take action, do you mean that reports based only on suspected multi-account use are unlikely to lead to action, unless there is clearer evidence (for example, location spoofing or other violations)?

4

I do not speak for Niantic, but I know they want conclusive evidence before they take action on accounts, based on comments that staff have made here. If you think that abuse is happening, they will investigate.

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5

Thank you, I understand.
This was very helpful, and it answered my questions about the PokéStop.

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