The FBI’s Field office in Milwaukee is warning Wisconsin parents about an uptick in online predatory activity.
In an open letter to parents, guardians, and caregivers, Special Agent in Charge Alan Karr explained that the FBI has observed a surge in “764” networks, or groups of predators who target children.
These networks employ tactics described as Sadistic Online Exploitation (SOE), where they seek out children through mobile messaging apps, social media, and gaming platforms.
After identifying a potential target, they start to befriend the victim, grooming them into a false sense of trust or romantic relationship, with the goal of manipulating the target into producing and sharing child sexual assault material, acts of animal cruelty, self-harm, or violence.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor their child’s online activities, especially the people they are messaging, exercise discretion when posting personal information, videos, and photos with their children online, and talk to their children about the risks of sharing personal information online.
SA Karr noted, “The threats your children face online are real and growing. But with awareness, vigilance, and cooperation, we can stop these predators before they cause harm.”
For more information, including the potential signs a child has been victimized, visit FBI.gov.
