Pokemon Go: Police issue virus warning to Shropshire gamers
Shropshire mobile phone users could make themselves vulnerable to fraudsters and viruses in a bid to download the latest must-have mobile phone game - Pokemon Go.
Pokemon Go has been causing a stir worldwide since it launched, with thousands of users already playing the game.
It lets users seek and capture the fantasy Pokemon creatures from playing card games and computer consoles by tracking them in real-world locations using their mobile devices The game has not yet been officially released in the UK, but people are rushing to download copies through unofficial websites.
The game uses a device's GPS location to overlay a map on the screen with icons to show where the nearest creatures are and once up close, switches to the device camera so the gamer can see the real world around them with the Pokemon overlaid on the screen, ready to catch.
But officers from West Mercia Police are concerned that downloading from unknown sources will leave people open to infecting their phones and tablets with viruses and malware.
"The problem is that many, many people want to start playing the game straight away and have taken to unofficial internet sites to download copies they can install on their Android devices.
"These programs, called APK files, can easily have been modified by people with a little programming knowledge, and extra code can be added which gives criminal gangs remote access to all the programs and data on your phone or tablet.
"Personal information such as user names and passwords could be at risk, and often these programs are set to make premium rate phone calls and text messages without the owners' knowledge, racking up massive phone bills which they are then liable for.
"Viruses will also have access to all your phone's contacts and some have been known to send themselves on to everyone you know, potentially infecting their devices as well."
In Missouri, America, armed robbers used the game to lure victims into a trap.
People have ended up in hospitals after chasing Pokemon into hazardous spots and agencies across America and Australia, where the game is already available, have warned people not to break the law or endanger themselves while playing.
PC Thomas added: "Our advice is simple, as unpopular as it may seem, please do not download games or apps from anywhere other than the official App Stores even if it does mean waiting a few extra weeks. Better that than your device be compromised."
