2023-07-07 23:37:09
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – The FBI is warning of new gang tactics that sexual predators are using to target children online, both in video games and through mobile apps.
The FBI has uncovered evidence of child predators working in groups and posing as children on gaming forums, social media groups and other online spaces geared toward a young audience, agency spokeswoman Katherine Zackel confirmed.
In April it was reported that online sextortion, blackmail crimes against teens between the ages of 14 and 17 increased by 2023 in Utah.
Katherine Zackel, a spokeswoman for the FBI in San Francisco, explains that criminals work together to pose as children, and as a team to normalize the sharing of sexually explicit materials within the group, in addition to finding ways to meet minors in person.
Children often do not know that they are actually talking to adults, and more and more explicit conversations are normalized as they think that predators are minors just like them.
Zackel said that education is paramount: teaching children that these situations can happen and that they report any personal or sexual conversation they have, in addition to not only suspecting one person but several, in addition, parents have to take the time to learn about the video game or app, how it’s used and of course who your kids are talking to.
Authorities recommend contacting your local law enforcement agency, the FBI, or the National Center for Exploited Children if you suspect that an adult is communicating inappropriately with your child.
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