Fort Worth, Texas – Online scams have become a pervasive threat that we all must be wary of, whether we reside in Fort Worth, Dallas, Austin, or anywhere else in the state. The internet, while a valuable resource, has also become a breeding ground for scammers and fraudsters looking to prey on unsuspecting individuals. Our daily online activities, from web browsing to checking emails, answering phone calls, and receiving text messages, have all become potential avenues for scammers to attempt to steal our money or personal information. Disturbingly, even our children are not immune to these malicious attacks, and the consequences can be devastating, sometimes even leading to tragic outcomes.
Groups Targeting Your Teens: A Growing Threat
On September 12, 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a grave warning to parents across the nation, including those in East Texas, regarding the rise of online groups specifically targeting teenagers. These insidious groups operate under various names, including 676, 764, CVLT, Court, Kaskar, Harm Nation, Leak Society, and H3II. What makes them particularly challenging to combat is their propensity to constantly evolve and rebrand, making it difficult for authorities to track their activities effectively.
Exploiting Vulnerable Adolescents
These online groups primarily focus on adolescents aged between 8 and 17 years old. Their victims often belong to the LGBTQ+ community, struggle with mental health issues, or are targeted due to their race. The tactics employed by these groups are nothing short of horrifying, as they employ threats, coercion, blackmail, and extortion to manipulate vulnerable teenagers into engaging in heinous acts, including murder, animal cruelty, and other forms of violence. Even more disturbingly, they persuade teens to create explicit content, such as sexually explicit videos and photos, which is then disseminated online.
The Threat of Swatting and Doxxing
Another alarming tactic used by these scammers is Swatting and Doxxing. Swatting involves making a false threat that would prompt law enforcement to deploy a SWAT team to the victim’s location. We’ve witnessed instances of this on the news, sometimes resulting in tragic outcomes. Doxxing, on the other hand, entails the theft of a teen’s personal information, which is subsequently posted online. These threats are employed when victims refuse to comply with the scammers’ demands, escalating the danger they face.
Scammers Show No Mercy
These scammers operate without remorse, showing a complete disregard for their victims’ well-being. Their actions can be so merciless that they may even push a victim to live-stream their own suicide for the scammers’ perverse pleasure. The gravity of this issue cannot be overstated, and it underscores the urgent need for parents and guardians to take proactive measures to protect their children.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
The FBI stresses the importance of parents engaging in open conversations with their teens about the apps and social media platforms they use. It is crucial to make teenagers aware of the potential dangers associated with posting videos and photos online, as they can be easily exploited, regardless of the platform’s claims. Parents should also be vigilant for warning signs that may indicate their child has fallen victim to an online attacker, especially if the attacker is coercing them into self-harm or suicidal situations. Some of these warning signs include:
- Sudden Behavioral Changes: Keep an eye out for abrupt shifts in behavior, such as withdrawal, moodiness, or irritability.
- Changes in Appearance: Notice any significant alterations in your child’s appearance, especially neglect of personal grooming.
- Alterations in Eating and Sleeping Habits: Changes in eating and sleeping patterns can be indicative of distress.
- Social Isolation: Watch for signs of social withdrawal, such as dropping out of activities and becoming increasingly isolated.
- Physical Signs of Harm: Look for physical indicators of harm, such as scars, fresh cuts, scratches, bruises, bite marks, burns, or other wounds.
- Carvings on the Skin: Be alert to any carvings, words, or symbols on your child’s skin, which may indicate distress.
- Unusual Clothing Choices: Pay attention if your teen consistently wears long sleeves or pants in hot weather to conceal potential self-inflicted injuries.
- Verbal Indicators of Suicidal Thoughts: Take seriously any threats or open discussions about suicide or feeling unwanted or unneeded.
What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Teens
Parents, it is crucial to remain vigilant in safeguarding your children from online threats. Ensure that your teenagers understand that, despite the promises made by certain apps, anything they post online can be exploited for purposes other than harmless entertainment. Educate them about the potential hazards that lurk on the internet and how easily an attacker can target them.
For additional information and resources, you can visit www.ic3.gov. If you suspect that your teen has become a victim, do not hesitate to file a report through the following channels:
- FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center
- FBI Field Office or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324)
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children or call 1-800-THE LOST
In a world where online threats are on the rise, it is imperative that we equip ourselves with knowledge and take proactive steps to protect our loved ones, especially our vulnerable teenagers who may fall victim to these ruthless scammers. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and stay connected with your teens to ensure their safety in the digital age.
