Niantic released a statement today reminding Agents that buying in-game items is a big NO NO. Matter of fact, it can get you banned. For – eveeer. So don’t do it.
Not only that but just remember that every time you buy something from a 3rd party dealer, you are encouraging them to spam channels in game. It also leads to other questionable acts. Like what’s next? Hiring someone to recharge portals for you to get your recharger badge?
I would also suggest that if you don’t find the Ingress challenging and rewarding enough as is, and you must go buy your way to victory, then maybe you should put down the scanner until some time that you do think it’s worthwhile. You do not have to open the scanner to remain friends with the Agents you have met so far.
https://plus.google.com/+Ingress/posts/GnvFJcHht4h