Request for Review – Account Warning and 30-Day Ban from Wayfarer

[Molynaf]

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to respectfully express my concern and request clarification regarding recent warnings and a suspension I received in the Wayfarer system.

I have been an active Pokémon GO player for over 8 years, and during that time, I have contributed more than 100 new PokéStops to the game through Wayfarer. I am very passionate about enhancing the real-world map and encouraging community interaction and exploration.

A few months ago, I received a warning on my account after submitting a Wayspot nomination for a location called “Motel La Cuncuna.” This nomination met all eligibility criteria: it is a permanent and publicly accessible place with cultural relevance and visual interest. I was surprised by the warning, as I believe the contribution was legitimate. I assumed it may have been a misunderstanding and did not think much of it at the time.

Location: -33.0503382, -71.3520555

Weeks later, I resubmitted the same nomination, and it was accepted without issue. Encouraged by this, I decided to suggest a minor location edit to an existing Wayspot: “Plaza San José.” Since plazas can have flexible points of interest, I moved the marker slightly to a spot that was more accessible to the public, within the same plaza area.

Location:
-33.0650051, -71.3748915

To my surprise, I received another warning, followed shortly by a 30-day suspension from Wayfarer, citing a violation of the rules. This came unexpectedly and without a clear explanation.

I want to emphasize that my intentions have always been to improve the map and create meaningful, accessible locations for the community. All my nominations are real, outdoor places that encourage socialization and exercise for players. In fact, three of my recent Wayspot nominations were approved just before I received the ban.

I believe this suspension may be a mistake, especially considering that the location adjustment for Plaza San José was minimal and within a reasonable range. I respectfully ask for a thorough review of my case and my Wayfarer contribution history. I would greatly appreciate a detailed explanation of the situation and any guidance on how to avoid future issues.

Thank you very much for your time, understanding, and continued support of the Wayfarer community.

[Molynaf]

That is not fair

[cyndiepooh]

Did you use the “contact us” link to appeal? “Malicious image” usually means they think you used a third party photo instead of one you took with your camera. I think “malicious location edit” means trying to move an already correct pin for game play reasons. You can explain your actions in the appeal.

[DTrain2002]

Agree with Cyndie to use the link to appeal in the emails. There’s little anyone can help you with here in the forums, except that staff may DM you with additional info and for us to see what could be the issue. Otherwise, the appeal link is how one is to appeal a warning/ban.

I also wonder about your original nomination for Motel La Cuncuna, as the one you got accepted is not at issue here. Providing the screenshot of that nomination from Feb 14th 2025 may be better than the resubmission you did on March 9th 2025.

As for the plaza, if users are able to reach the Wayspot at the current location safely, there should be no need to move it. I tend to leave locations alone if they appear to be accurate, even if they could be moved just a few meters. I’ve also never really heard of there being flexibility in the location some Wayspots are placed at, depending on the type of POI.

One thing I do see looking at Plaza San José Villa Alemama on the map is that it’s in the middle of the road, which placed it in an empty L17 S2 cell. The photo for this Wayspot appears to be of the pergolas on the south side of the plaza, and would better be placed around -33.065271959408115, -71.37477063205729, which is at the middle pergola. Being there are 2 other Wayspots in the cell to the east, Plaza San José Villa Alemama would not show up in PoGo, but misplacing it in an empty S2 cell in the middle of the road made it show up most likely, and this is considered map manipulation, which is abuse. Even the location of -33.0650051, -71.3748915 is inaccurate for the pergolas, and that cell has 2 Wayspots in it as well, so it wouldn’t be in PoGo either.

[TjoeMi]

Misplacement of wayspot is subject to abuse ladder system. Moving wayspot into empty cell or for gaming purpose is not acceptable. I personally got this warning as well. You can appeal in the email. But its not likely they will overturn the decision because your edit. Minimal and within reasonable range is not wayfarer concern. Did you take the photo of Motel La Cuncuna yourself? The street view from 5 months ago looks different.

[NianticAaron]

I have sent you a DM with details. Please review it at your convenience. Thanks,