Police: Scam Tries To Trick Players Into Paying For 'Pokemon Go'

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Authorities in Chaska are warning players of the mega-popular "Pokemon Go" game that scammers are trying to trick them into paying for the app.

The scam works as a phishing email, authorities say. A message appears in a player's inbox, saying: "due to the overwhelming response to our new Pokémon GO app and the need for more powerful servers we can no longer afford to keep your account as free."

The email adds that the game now costs $12.99 a month, and the player's account will be frozen unless they pay up. The email urges people to click on a link, which appears to send them to the app store. Once there, they are encouraged to download a "full version" of the game.

This app store, however, is fake, and authorities say it's a way for scammers to get a person's password information.

Authorities say that, in general, people should be wary of emails with unexpected links or attachments. They are also encouraged to check the return email address of suspicious email. If it's legitimate, it go to a company domain.

"Pokemon Go" was developed by Niantic Labs. It is free to play.