Pokemon Go scammers are currently sending emails to the unsuspecting public. The message contains a warning that their game account will be suspended if they fail to send a monthly payment of $12.99.
The scammers explained that the deluges of Pokemon Go users have overloaded their servers and they needed the money to upgrade their systems. The email warned that failure to upgrade their free subscription to a paid one will mean an automatic suspension. The victims were given a day to comply.
However, Variety reports that the unsuspecting users are then directed to a site where they are asked to give their email username, passwords and other relevant details. Pokemon Go players are advised to ignore such scams.
Pokemon Go is a mobile app game developed by Niantic Labs in cooperation with Nintendo. It was officially launched in early July and only available in the United States, as well Australia and New Zealand. Its approach to mobile gaming using augmented reality and letting gamers play the app in the real world has appealed to both young and old alike.
The instant popularity of Pokemon Go has put tremendous strains on Niantic's servers. As of now, the mobile game is free to download and the company has not officially announced any plans to sell it. Niantic however, makes money through in-app purchases in the game.
The official Pokemon Go app is currently limited to the three mentioned countries, but its worldwide appeal has encouraged excluded fans to download the game app from third-party app sellers. This is not a wise thing to do since they may download a particular version that reportedly hijacks their smartphone's operating system.
Niantic do plan to make Pokemon Go available worldwide. However, it would need additional and bigger servers to accommodate the number of players. Pokemon Go fans excluded from the official areas have little choice but to wait.
