Here is the scariest risk that lurks behind many Internet interactions involving children.  An Internet predator is someone who uses the Internet or smart phone to identify a victim (often a child), and collect information that will allow the predator to kidnap, sexually abuse, or otherwise harm the victim. 

 

Internet predators often use a blend of techniques to lure a victim into an unsafe situation.  They will gain the victim’s trust by catfishing them or find common interests that they can talk about.  Often they will gently ask where you live or where you go to school, where you work, what your parents’ schedules are, or other information that helps them find and corner you in a dangerous situation. 

 

It may seem easy to tell when you are talking to an Internet predator, but they are very sneaky! 

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Tips to avoid becoming the victim of an Internet predator:

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• Never give out information about where you live or go to school.

• Don’t inform a stranger about your home schedule or whether your parents are out of the house.

• If you meet a stranger online, always assume that they could be someone out to hurt you.

• Only text or chat with people that you and your parents know.

• If you think you may have an Internet predator after you, call the police!