10 'Pokemon Go' Real World Dangers to Avoid

Be Cautious With Your Personal Information

When you first log into the Pokémon Go app, you have the choice of creating or using a Pokémon Trainer Club membership or using your Google account login. ​You can also link your Facebook account for login.

Some players create a unique Google account to use only with Pokémon Go so their main Google account isn't accessed by the app.

Build Up Your Walking Time for Hatching Pokémon Eggs

Besides roaming about hunting monsters and refueling at Pokestops, you'll have to walk a few kilometers to hatch your Pokémon eggs. If you've been mostly sedentary, you need to build up your walking time gradually to avoid muscle strain and blisters.

Don't Be a Distracted Walker While You Play

The Pokémon Go app encourages you to get out and walk and visit places of interest to capture virtual monsters, find PokéStops and gyms to gather items and train your creatures.

But if you are looking at your screen and not the sidewalk, you run the risk of trips, falls, bumping into people and objects, and getting hit in the street or crosswalk. One police department tweeted to Pokémon players, "Traffic isn't virtual, it's legit!"

• Impose rules on yourself and your fellow players that screens are down when you cross streets.
• Use the sidewalks rather than walking in the street.
• If you need to stop, pull out of the stream of traffic on the sidewalk, so you aren't an obstruction.

Don't Trespass on Private Property

The Pokémon Go terms of service say, "You also agree not to use the App to violate any applicable law, rule, or regulation (including but not limited to the laws of trespass)...you will not enter onto private property without permission."

There may be monsters, PokéStops, and gyms that are erroneously located on private property. Or they may be on public property with restricted hours.

Be on Guard at PokeStops and Gyms

Are the others gathered at a PokeStop or gym there to battle and raid Pokémon—or have you been lured in by a potential attacker? There are reports of players being robbed in these areas.

You may want to do your gameplay only during daylight hours and accompanied by friends. Listen to your instincts. Parents should be extra aware of their children's whereabouts when they are frequenting PokeStops and gyms.

Be Respectful of People Around You

The Pokémon Go terms of service say, "You will not inflict emotional distress on other people, will not humiliate other people (publicly or otherwise), will not assault or threaten other people."

If you are in a store or a park and trying to catch a rare Pokémon or join in a raid, don't toss off snide replies to store employees, other shoppers, passersby, etc. These can lead to verbal and physical confrontations.

Be Mindful of Other People in Your Photos

The Pokémon Go game encourages you to take photos of Pokémon in real-life settings. But beware that people may not want to be in your photos, or have their children appear in the background.

Homeowners and business owners may feel threatened if you are taking photos of their house or store, thinking you are casing it for a burglary. Photography may not be allowed inside businesses, museums, or churches.

Practice Night Walking Safety

You may feel like a ninja dressing in black as you stroll the streets hunting Pokémon. But being invisible to traffic after dark is a very bad idea.

Wear light colors and reflective items or a strobe light. You don't have to sneak up on Pokémon and you will look like less of a threat when you aren't dressed like a cat burglar. If you are walking in areas without street lights, carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp.

Don't Run Out of Power or Data for Your Phone

The Pokémon Go app uses GPS and you may have the screen on for long periods. If you've roamed far from home on the hunt, you may find your battery drained.

Now you'll have to navigate back home on your own. If you rely on GPS for directions, bring along a spare power source to keep charged. You may also find you are hitting your cell data limits as you roam and incur charges. 

Be Prepared for Weather Conditions

Pokémon Go may lure you out of your house in all kinds of weather. Be prepared for the elements. Learn how to walk in the rain, how to dress for cold weather walking, and be prepared for walking in hot weather. If you're going to go out in the ice and snow, you'll want foot traction cleats.

Have fun, be safe, and go catch them all!