Safety, Security Concerns Arise Amid 'Pokemon Go' Craze

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Chances are you've seen more people with their noses buried into their phones lately.

It's possible they've caught the "Pokemon Go" craze.

The game is an "augmented reality app" that blends the real world with virtual reality.

Since it came out last week, the value of Nintendo's shares have risen by more than $12 billion.

"You get to run around and explore new areas and see people that are playing it too," said Pokemon player Patrick Lupelow.

The game uses your GPS and real-world aspects, combing them with the peculiar world of Pokemon. The creatures pop up in random places- sidewalks, parks, the Mall of America, and it's up to you to catch them.

In just a week, the game's popularity is already unparalleled.

Sherriff's deputies are getting in on the fun. Businesses see an opportunity to attract Pokemon players. Even a Florida news anchor got carried away when she walked into a weather forecast while trying to catch a Pokemon.

But law enforcement worries the quest to find Pokemon characters is creating safety concerns.

Just like texting and driving, there are traffic concerns, trespassing concerns, a warning from Xcel Energy to stay away from power lines. And there are even privacy concerns. Sen. Al Franken sent out a message cautioning users about protecting their personal information.

"It's just the same as putting that in a chat room or on Facebook or anything like that. So don't share anything on the app you wouldn't feel comfortable sharing on those other Internet sites," said Janna Wood of the Shakopee Police Department.

There have also been reports of players being lured to certain areas and then robbed.

But there are benefits. The game does offer a chance to exercise, as well as an opportunity to meet people and see places you may not normally see.