There is a rumor floating around the Internet regarding the release date of "Pokémon GO" Generation 2, but this might have just been an elaborate hoax by a Reddit prankster.

Last week, a Redditor claiming to be a Starbucks employee posted an internal email on the Silph Road and Pokémon GO subreddits, Pokémon GO Hub reported. According to the Redditor, this email was sent out to all Starbucks employees to inform them of the company's next promotion.

The email contains the following reference to "Pokémon GO":

"Pokeman - 12/7 Launch of Pokeman Version 2... Starbuck stores will be a part of [some parts not seen on image] comes into the store: Pokeman Frappuccino (recipe to be communicated)

Lures will be dropped at all SBUX stores that will provide even more direct [some parts not seen on image] January / February"

"Now, it's hard to say whether or not this specifically refers to Generation 2 (although what else could it mean?), whether or not Starbucks and Niantic are partnered up, or if this will even be pushed out on the date specified (things don't always go to plan)," the Redditor wrote on the page. "However, it all makes sense to me, but this would be a huge update."

"Lastly, I realize this may seem strange, especially with the 'Pokeman', but it's a real email and I can send proof to the mods if required," the Redditor continued. "Regardless, this isn't anything concrete and pretty vague, and no other information was given to us."

While some Redditors have said that they will give the original poster a chance to prove himself to the moderators, some are more skeptical.

As of today, however, the Redditor has deleted his Reddit account, and the image of the email is also nowhere to be found. It cannot be confirmed whether the OP deleted his account and the image himself, but this makes the email all the more suspicious.

Niantic Labs themselves have not confirmed any date for "Pokémon GO" Gen 2, but as far as we know, the hints should already be in the game's code as early as now, if the Dec. 7 date is correct.

Stay tuned for more "Pokémon GO" news.