Pokemon player goes to insane lengths to outsmart Let’s Go “scammer”

How one trainer turned the tables on Pokémon’s infamous Magikarp scam with 375 hours of dedication

The Legend of the Magikarp Scam

A Pokémon enthusiast achieved viral fame by executing the ultimate revenge on Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee’s notorious Magikarp salesman through an astonishing display of perseverance.

The devious NPC, first appearing in Pokémon Red/Blue, has tricked generations of players into purchasing common Magikarp at exorbitant prices when they could be caught freely throughout Kanto.

This cunning merchant reappears in the Pokémon Center before Mt. Moon, offering his “special” Magikarp for 500 Pokédollars – a blatant rip-off that has annoyed players since 1996. One determined trainer finally devised the perfect payback after the NPC mocked their purchase.

Game Freak / The Pokemon Company

The infamous NPC has been scamming for decades.

The Ultimate Petty Revenge Strategy

Reddit user GimmeDatGrimoire implemented an ingenious (if time-consuming) plan: saving before interacting with the salesman and resetting repeatedly until receiving a Shiny Magikarp. This process took approximately 375 hours spread over three years.

The Reset Technique

The strategy involved:

• Saving directly in front of the NPC
• Purchasing the Magikarp
• Checking for shiny status
• Resetting if not shiny (about 4,095 times on average)

Shiny Odds Explained

With standard Shiny odds at 1/4096 in Let’s Go games, this achievement represents both incredible luck and persistence. Advanced players note that using the Shiny Charm (obtained after completing the Pokédex) improves these odds to 1/1365.

How the Pokémon Community Reacted

The Pokémon subreddit erupted with admiration when GimmeDatGrimoire shared their triumph. “You’ve achieved what many considered impossible – beating the scammer at his own game,” one comment read.

The trainer’s final act of defiance? Naming their Shiny Magikarp “Outrage” (referencing the salesman’s “outrageous” price claim) and photographing it with the NPC as he smugly stated “no refunds.”

Community members calculated that evolving this Magikarp into a red Gyarados actually made the 500 Pokécoin purchase a bargain for such a rare Pokémon.

Advanced Trainer Tips

Alternative Approaches

For trainers seeking revenge without the time commitment:

• Purchase then immediately release the Magikarp in front of the salesman
• Use the Magikarp in battle against his future appearances
• Name purchased Magikarp “Scam” as perpetual reminder

Time-Saving Methods

If attempting the shiny method:

1. Obtain the Shiny Charm first to improve odds
2. Use turbo controllers for faster resetting
3. Time resets during loading screen animations
4. Track attempts with a counter app

No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Pokemon player goes to insane lengths to outsmart Let’s Go “scammer” How one trainer turned the tables on Pokémon's infamous Magikarp scam with 375 hours of dedication