Pokémon Go is a mobile game that sends players into the real-world to find virtual pocket monsters. It’s only bee around a few days, and though plenty of people have had fun playing, it’s also revealed a darker side of humanity as well.
According to an article in The Guardian, a group of four armed robbers in Missouri lured in victims from all over the state using features from the game. Once players arrived, the robbers sprung into action and it is reported that victims were sprung upon in three different locations within the state.
At about 2am in O’Fallon, Missouri, officers responded to a robbery report that led them to four people, all local residents aged 16 to 18, in a black BMW in a CVS parking lot. The occupants tried to discard a handgun out of the car when an officer approached, said Sgt Bill Stringer. The officer then identified the four people as suspects of similar armed robberies described in St Louis and St Charles counties.
One feature of the game appears to be really attractive to robbers, as beacons called “PokeStops” allow more players to be alerted to locations. Using that knowledge, robbers see large groups standing around in parking lots as easy victims.
“If you use this app (or other similar type apps) or have children that do we ask you to please use caution when alerting strangers of your future location,” the O’Fallon, Missouri police department stated.
In just less than a week, people have chased after characters only to find a dead body, end up in hospitals thanks to accidents while chasing after virtual characters and led people to enter a home that was believed to be a church according to the app.
While geotagging Pokémon characters seems great, it makes sense to use the same caution you normally would when it comes to secluded areas, broadcasting your location online, or dealing with strangers.
