Though there is no incident of kidnapping using Pokemon Go as a modus operandi, it is always a possibility. With the growing popularity and acceptance in many communities, Pokemon Go can be abused and be used to operate crimes later on. The kids can be in the face of danger when these crimes arise usint the game as their toll to lure victims.
A childcare center in the US removed itself as a Pokémon Go hotspot recently because of the series of complaints about strangers lurking around the area. The childcare centre appeared as a "gym" in the game app.
Imagine if the childcare center did not ban itself from Pokemon Go, it will become a popular place for gamers and will continually attract the mob, that may lead to real threats that are harder to spot and contain. Pokemon Go should modify the design and make sure that childcare centers, hospitals, nurseries, and other children's places be banned from the game app. This way, children will be protected and even the staff will get themselves focused on their duties in the centers or hospitals.
Some countries have become more conservative when it comes to the popular game app by banning it in the whole country. These countries include are Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Russia, Portugal, Australia, Indonesia, and Turkey. Each country has its own valid reason why they have taken such direction towards the game. An example is Australia's claim that a person who committed trespassing will not be acquitted by just the defense argument saying "I was collecting Pokemon...".
In the same sense, kidnappers can always act like Pokemon gamers but actually have dark plans with kids playing the game. In the past, some kidnappers use candies or food to lure victims. But today, they may opt for an upgrade.
There are a lot of impending dangers that Pokemon Go can also pose. It seems to be a fun game but because of the diverse mindsets and intentions of people around the world, such fun can be abused and can become any syndicate's tool for crime. Utmost sense of precaution should be undertaken by all gamers of Pokemon Go to ensure safety and just enjoy the fun without risks involved.
