Kids Can Bypass Communication Limit Feature On iOS 13.3

If you have children that own Apple devices, be aware that the latest update for iOS 13.3 included a feature called Communications Limits.

It is designed to allow parents to set up parental controls to keep their kids from speaking to, texting with, or Facetiming with anyone who's not already in their contacts list.

It's a small but important feature addition. Hackers, scammers, bullies, or strangers can easily get phone numbers belonging to children. Even worse, they can then harass or threaten them in a variety of ways.

Unfortunately, there were problems with the implementation of the feature. For one thing, a bug in the code allowed kids to add a new number to the address book contacts list and use that as a springboard for bypassing the restrictions imposed by the software.

The bug was discovered by staffers at CNBC who were able to show that the feature worked fine on devices backed by iCloud, but not other services like Google's Gmail.

• Todd Haselton of CNBC had this to say about the discovery:

"A child should not be able to add the contact to the iPhone's address book without their parent entering their PIN first if the feature is working properly."

That's a succinct description of both the problem and its solution. Right now, Apple is scrambling to generate a fix. Although the company hasn't said as much, there's a very good chance that by the next patching cycle, the company will have a fix in hand.

If you were counting on the feature, one thing you can do until the fix is ready is to make use of the Downtime feature. That allows users to restrict access to apps according to a predefined schedule. It's not perfect, but it will get the job done in the short term.

Raise Awareness of Human Trafficking on January 11 with #WearBlueDay

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs

Raise Awareness of Human Trafficking on January 11 with #WearBlueDay

WASHINGTON – On Saturday, January 11, The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign will host #WearBlueDay, its largest one-day awareness initiative of the year. #WearBlueDay encourages the public to wear blue – the international color of human trafficking awareness – and post photos of themselves, or with friends, family, or colleagues, on social media with #WearBlueDay to raise awareness of this heinous crime. Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery and every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked around the world, including right here in the U.S. DHS is committed to fighting this human rights abuse through its many Components but also through public awareness and education. To achieve this goal, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will soon release its first strategy to combat human trafficking, the importation of goods produced with forced labor, and child sexual exploitation. This document will articulate the Department’s priorities over the next five years to more effectively and efficiently combat the growing threat of these illicit activities to our Homeland. Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf pictured with staff representing the DHS Blue Campaign and the Office of Public Engagement. The Blue Campaign contributes to the Federal mission of combatting human trafficking by providing public awareness materials, at no cost, to increase recognition and reporting of human trafficking. It also collaborates with law enforcement and the private sector to train frontline employees on how to respond to suspected human trafficking. For more information on #WearBlueDay and Blue Campaign, visit www.dhs.gov/bluecampaign. To report suspected human trafficking, contact the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line: 1-866-347-2423. For victim assistance, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733).

Federal Jury Finds Virginia Man Guilty of Sex Offense Involving a Minor

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A federal jury convicted a Virginia man yesterday after a two-day trial, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. The jury found Jeffrey William Sexton, Jr., 27, of Virginia Beach, guilty of traveling across state lines to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor on June 1, 2019.

“As a dad, I cannot adequately describe how much matters like this trouble me.  Cases like this are disturbing and difficult to work.  Sexton thought he was traveling to engage in sex with a 13 year old and, to the nightmare of every parent, even encouraged her to sneak out of her house,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “We are blessed that Sexton was communicating with an undercover officer and not a real 13-year-old.  We are doing everything within our power to keep West Virginia’s children safe from predators like Sexton.  I want to thank the FBI Task Force and my prosecution team for bringing this case to a successful conclusion.”

Sexton had previously been charged in a single-count indictment with travel to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor. At trial, evidence revealed that Sexton began communicating with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 13-year-old girl on a social messaging and dating application on approximately May 28, 2019. During the conversations, Sexton brought up the topic of oral sex with the purported minor. At approximately 1 a.m. on June 1, 2019, Sexton traveled from Bluefield, Virginia, to Bluefield, West Virginia, to meet the alleged 13-year-old after telling her to sneak out of her house. On May 31, 2019, Sexton had also reached out to chat with two other law enforcement officers posing as minors on the same messaging application, discussing oral sex with one officer who stated she was only 14 years old.

Sexton faces up to thirty years in prison when sentenced on May 19, 2020.

The investigation was the result of an undercover operation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s West Virginia Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which included task force officers from the Raleigh and Mercer County Sheriffs’ Departments.  

Senior United States Senior Judge David A. Faber presided over the trial. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Kathleen Robeson handled the prosecution.

Trinity Mount Ministries - CyberTipline - NCMEC - Report Abuse! 1-800-843-5678

NCMEC’s CyberTipline is the nation’s centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. The public and electronic service providers can make reports of suspected online enticement of children for sexual acts, extra-familial child sexual molestation, child pornography, child sex tourism, child sex trafficking, unsolicited obscene materials sent to a child, misleading domain names, and misleading words or digital images on the internet.

What Happens to Information in a CyberTip?

NCMEC staff review each tip and work to find a potential location for the incident reported so that it may be made available to the appropriate law-enforcement agency for possible investigation. We also use the information from our CyberTipline reports to help shape our prevention and safety messages.

Is Your Image Out There?

Get Support

One of the worst things about sextortion is feeling like you’re facing everything alone. But you have people who care for you and want to help. Reach out to them!

A trusted adult can offer advice, help you report, and help you deal with other issues. It could be your mom, dad, an aunt, a school counselor, or anyone you trust and are comfortable talking to. You can also “self report” by making a report on your own to the CyberTipline.

Don’t Give Up

Having a sexual exploitative image of yourself exposed online is a scary experience. It can make you feel vulnerable and isolated, but remember, others have been in the same situation as you – and they’ve overcome it. Learn the steps you can take to limit the spread of the content.

To Facebook Administration - Stop Blocking Missing Children Posters!

To Facebook Administration,

Once again, you've blocked my ability to help missing and exploited children and to share child safety resources. I will send this message on all of my social media accounts (like I've done before), making thousands of people aware of Facebook's actions, rejecting my ability to help missing and exploited children through my organization, Trinity Mount Ministries. I will continue to post this message until this issue is resolved.

Facebook fails all of their users by blocking them from posting without telling them why, not offering an avenue to contact Facebook and address this issue and other issues, etc., which makes Facebook, overall, a very unpleasant experience. This is one reason you are losing users in large numbers, as well as all of the privacy issues, being cold and distant from the users - and inturn - causing anxiety and depression for no good reason.

Facebook - please get your act together.

Brett Fletcher, MHRS, MS.Psy, Th.G, Founder of Trinity Mount Ministries

https://lnkd.in/gC9aV6X

#Facebook #FacebookAdmin #FacebookPolicies #Unfair #Blocking #MissingChildren #ChildSafety #OnlineSafety #TrinityMountMinistries #BrettFletcher

8 men who thought they were meeting children for sex are arrested in Arlington, police say

A ninth man arrested during the operation faces drug and weapon charges.

By Tom Steele

Authorities arrested eight men last week on charges of trying to solicit children for sex in an operation by Arlington police, the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

According to police, the men thought they were chatting online with children ages 13 to 16 and were taken into custody when they arrived at an Arlington location where they had arranged to meet the teens for sex.

Eight men were arrested on charges of online solicitation of a minor: Francisco Carreon, 60; Davion Carter, 24; Enrico Garcia, 25; Michael Owonifari, 19; Christopher Pintek, 46; Joshua Price, 23; Brian Watt, 36; and Christian Weitmann, 24.

Carter also was held on outstanding warrants; Garcia faces a drug-possession charge; and Price also faces charges of assault on a public servant and resisting arrest. All eight men have bonded out of custody.

Top row, from left: Francisco Carreon, Davion Carter, Enrico Garcia, Michael Owonifari. Bottom row, from left: Christopher Pintek, Joshua Price, Brian Watt, Christian Weitmann.
Top row, from left: Francisco Carreon, Davion Carter, Enrico Garcia, Michael Owonifari. Bottom row, from left: Christopher Pintek, Joshua Price, Brian Watt, Christian Weitmann.(Arlington Police Department)

A ninth man, Richard Wilson, 38, was arrested on drug and weapon charges, as well as outstanding warrants. Police said he drove one of the solicitation suspects to the location.

Police said more arrests could be made, as 10 people did not show up at the meeting spot.

“The collaboration between Texas DPS, the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office and Arlington PD demonstrates our commitment to identifying and arresting these individuals who prey on our most vulnerable victims, our children,” police Chief Will Johnson said in a statement. “We will continue to partner with other law enforcement agencies with these types of operations to send a clear message to the criminal element that we will not tolerate this type of behavior in our community.”

Smart Toys Could Put Your Kids Safety At Risk This Christmas

Davey WinderSenior Contributor 

Cybersecurity

I report and analyse breaking cybersecurity and privacy stories

Smart toys could represent a stranger danger risk to children, new report finds.

New research suggests that children could be at risk from security flaws in smart toys this holiday season. An investigation by U.K. consumer advice organization Which? has revealed that toys purchased from major retailers could potentially allow a stranger to communicate with your child. The organization bought seven 'smart' toys and handed them over to the NCC Group, a specialist security lab, for testing. Some of the toys put to the test were aimed at children as young as three years old, according to Which? Yet they contained "various concerning issues that could potentially put children at risk," the report finds.

What stranger danger risks were found in the tested toys?

The smart toys were handed over to the NCC Group for lab testing, with a security assessment that focused on exploitable and design-based technical issues that were specific to the use of the toys by children themselves. It also investigated the confidentiality and integrity of any personal data captured by the toys.

"Across all seven toys, we found 20 noteworthy issues," the NCC Group said in a blog post. Perhaps the most serious of these was the lack of any secure authentication, such as a PIN code, for Bluetooth connectivity. Two of them in this category were karaoke toys, enabling anyone within a range of about 10 meters (10 feet) to connect anonymously and stream audio to the toy. It's worth bearing in mind that while the communication is one-way, the child would not be able to talk back, the stranger danger of someone being able to send messages like this cannot be stressed enough. "Imagine a scenario where someone connects to the toy and streams instructional or manipulative messages to a child," the NCC Group report stated, "such as asking them to go out to the front garden, as a precursor to an abduction attempt."

Today In: Innovation

A pair of toy walkie-talkies that were tested also proved to be problematical. Again, there was no mutual authentication between the handsets. This time, though, the effective communication range was 150 meters (492 feet), meaning an attacker could be across the street or even on the other side of the park, for example. As long as they had purchased their own set of the toys, they would be able to engage in two-way conversations. The real-world playing out of this exploit is further restricted by the fact that to exploit the communication vulnerability, the attacker would need to pair the devices within a 30-second window of the child's set being switched on and paired. An unlikely scenario, I admit, but would you be happy taking any chances when it's your kids that are at risk?

Further details of the toys tested can be found in the Which? report, along with responses from the manufacturers.

What do security experts say about the smart toy risk?

"Today’s news that children’s karaoke and walkie-talkie toys, popular Christmas gifts and commonplace in children’s bedrooms, are hackable, enabling nearby strangers to potentially talk to children through them, or capture data from the devices, is incredibly concerning," David Emm, cybersecurity expert and principal security researcher at Kaspersky, said. Emm suggested "something stronger than a voluntary code of practice" is required when it comes to the protection of children.

"Children’s toys are often neglected with regards to the security conversation," Boris Cipot, a senior security engineer at Synopsys, said. "Before ordering a new smart device this holiday season for your child, or any family member for that matter, take into account the security impact the device can have and make security a part of your purchasing decision," Cipot said.

Given that research last year found that 90% of consumer Internet of Things (IoT) vendors didn't let security researchers report vulnerabilities, I can't say that I'm altogether surprised by the findings of the NCC Group testing. Shocked, as a parent and grandparent, but not surprised. Which? has a smart toy safety checklist for parents that details the things to be aware of before buying a connected toy for your children this holiday season. I heartily recommend you check it out before splashing your cash.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also just published advice for consumers regarding the questions that should be asked before buying internet-connected toys. The FTC recommends that consumers properly understand the smart toy’s feature set as well as both what information it will collect and how that data will be used.

13-Year-Old Florida Girl Sold To More Than 100 Men For Sex In Less Than A Month In Trafficking Operation

The teen reportedly was sold for sex so many times, the traffickers nicknamed her "breadmaker," the court document stated.

With more parents and young adults being increasingly vigilant about sex trafficking, one Florida teenager’s story reinforces the perils of the predatory act.

The teenager said she ran away from home and was subsequently recruited by sex traffickers, including women police later identified as Souprina Blanc and 19-year-old Racquel Bijou. According to the criminal complaint filed by the girl, both Blanc and Bijou insisted that she have sex in exchange for money with several older men, some reportedly at least 50 years old.

Despite the girl reportedly telling Bijou that she was underage, she was instructed to tell everyone she was 21.

The Sun-Sentinel reports that the document also detailed an instance where Bijou allegedly told the girl to take photos of herself which were later sent to 22-year-old Jeremiah Horenstein and 25-year-old Ashton Lewinson. The two men reportedly posted photos of the girl to a backpage website, advertising sex work. Following the ad being posted, the girl was instructed to sleep with more than 100 men.

According to the document, she was sold for sex so much that her traffickers dubbed her “breadmaker.”

After disappearing, the teen contacted a family member via text, telling them that she had sex with “so many people.” Frightened about the girl’s safety, the family member provided authorities with the teen’s phone records.

Investigators in Miami-Dade County and the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force were able to plan a sting operation on June 11, during which the girl was recovered and Blanc was arrested.

According to court documents, officers found an unidentified female naked in the bedroom and a naked man hiding in the shower during the sting.

Bijou, Horenstein and Lewinson were subsequently arrested in August and November.  All four suspects are charged with sex trafficking a minor and are being held without bond. Bijou pleaded guilty on November 19. If convicted, the defendants could face a maximum of life in prison.

In recent months, there's been heightened awareness around human trafficking.

In February, an Atlanta-area sex-trafficking sting led to the arrests of 169 people around the time of Super Bowl LIII. Nine children were rescued during the operation reports 11Alive. Additionally, individual stories of sex traffickers and their victims have become increasingly repeated occurrences in news cycles.

On Thursday, a North Carolina man was sentenced to prison for sex trafficking a minor in Miami, CBS Miami reports. She eventually escaped him. Earlier this year, after a New Jersey teen was missing, her photos later appeared on sex trafficking websites. She was later found safe in Philadelphia as Blavity previously reported.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline can be reached at 1-888-373-7888.

BLAVITY : NEWS

How to Protect Your Children From Online Sexual Predators

A police notice to parents on the dangers minors face online.Credit...New Jersey State Police

By Michael H. Keller

Sexual predators have found an easy access point into the lives of young people: They are meeting them online through multiplayer video games and chat apps, making virtual connections right in their victims’ homes.

Many of the interactions lead to crimes of “sextortion,” in which children are coerced into sending explicit imagery of themselves.

[Read The New York Times’s investigation into the problem.]

We asked two experts how families could best navigate gaming and other online activity that can expose children to sexual predators.

Dr. Sharon W. Cooper is a forensic pediatrician at the University of North Carolina and an expert on sexual exploitation. Michael Salter is an associate criminology professor at the University of New South Wales in Australia. Both are internationally recognized for their work in the field of child sexual abuse.

The following recommendations have been condensed and edited for clarity.

Set rules for when and how your child can interact with others online

Dr. Cooper: The conversation on online safety should begin with a statement that there will be rules because a parent loves his or her children and wants to see them be safe and have the best that is in store for them.

I empower parents to know that they control access and should always exert that control. Research has shown that parents who mediate online behavior have the most resilient children. It is about time online (not too much), content (age-appropriate and prosocial) and parental empowerment (access is a gift, not a right).

Spend time with your child on new games and apps

Dr. Salter: Gaining some shared experience on a new service helps you identify risks, builds trust and provides an opportunity for nonconfrontational conversations. You can find out more about different platforms by going to trusted sources such as Common Sense Media and the eSafety commissioner website in Australia, which provide useful summaries of new apps and their safety features.

Talk to your child about online safety, and listen

Dr. Salter: You can start by talking about our rights and responsibilities online. You can emphasize that, online, we have an obligation to treat people well, and a right to be treated well by others.

You can brainstorm with your child the kinds of situations where they might feel unsafe, and the strategies they can use to stay safe. Set reasonable rules, but keep the conversation open so they feel comfortable coming to you if something happens that concerns them.

We’ve had situations where children have stayed silent on really major sextortion cases for months because they were already in trouble online and didn’t want to be in trouble for breaking the rules, too. Groomers and abusers rely on silence.

Encourage your child to raise any concerns with a trusted adult

Dr. Salter: Red flags that an online “friend” can’t be trusted: They tell the child to keep the relationship secret; they ask for a lot of personal information; they promise favors and gifts; they contact the child through multiple platforms and services; they initiate intimate discussions about the child’s appearance; and they insist on meeting face to face.

The first thing is for children to raise concerns with adults they trust. They should know never to send a nude image on the internet and remember they don’t have to do anything they don’t want to do. Their most common mistake is not listening to themselves when they feel uncomfortable.

Be on the lookout for warning signs of abuse

Dr. Cooper: We try to avoid making children feel they are wholly responsible for their safety because if they fail, they develop significant guilt and self-blame. That being said, the most important warning signs are too much time online and angry reactions when parents put in a cease-and-desist order. Others are contact with a “voice” they do not recognize, and contact with someone requesting inappropriate behavior, including duping their parents.

Educate your child about blocking users who make them uncomfortable

Dr. Salter: While exploring a platform or app with your children, find out how to report and block users who make them feel unsafe. Encourage them to use this option if they receive unwanted or uncomfortable contact. If the user persists, contact your local police.

Don’t blame your child if abuse arises

Dr. Salter: The first step is to remain nonjudgmental and reassure your children that they are not in trouble. Groomers rely on children feeling too ashamed to tell, so it’s important to be supportive.

The most common mistake parents make is embarrassment — being unable to create a space in their relationship with their children where it’s O.K. to discuss their emerging interest in sex. It’s really hard to talk to children about their sexuality.

Take charge as your child’s online protector. No one else will.

Dr. Cooper: The industry is not about the business of promoting safety. I have yet to see a new cellphone purchase accompanied with a “How to keep your children safe with this device” pamphlet. We should empower children and show them how to report to trusted authorities.

To report online child sexual abuse or find resources for those in need of help, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.

U.S. Attorney Announces Charges Against West Point Staff Sergeant For Distributing Child Pornography

Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the arrest of PATRICK EDWIN GORYCHKA for distributing child pornography.  GORYCHKA was arrested yesterday and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith McCarthy in White Plains federal court and released on bail.

 According to the Complaint[1] filed yesterday in White Plains federal court:           

In October 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) received information from an FBI Online Undercover Employee (“UC-1”) concerning UC-1’s communications with an individual using the Kik user name “epg84” (“User-1”) in a Kik chat room known to be frequented by individuals with a sexual interest in children.  UC-1 identified himself as a 48-year-old uncle who had engaged in sex acts with his niece.  User-1, who identified himself as “Eric G.,” asked UC-1 for photos of UC-1’s niece.  UC-1 told User-1 that UC-1 had met a “pedo mom” (“UC-2”) in New York.  UC-1 told User-1 that “she keeps kids of illegals while they work for a couple weeks” and “makes some $ on the side.”  User-1 stated, “Omg that’s hot” and asked UC-1 to connect him to UC-2.   

Thereafter, UC-2, going by the name “Jane,” and User-1 engaged in numerous communications from in or about October 31, 2019, through in or about November 16, 2019.  During these communications, User-1 said he was interested in “preteens” and told UC-2, “I heard that you could potentially facilitate certain things.”  User-1 said that he was interested in a “similar setup” as UC-1 and told UC-2, “I have money.” 

On November 2, 2019, User-1 transmitted two links to Mega, a New Zealand-based cloud storage platform that permits users to store and share ESI, including images and videos. [2]  Both links contained numerous images and videos of children engaging in sexually explicit activity.

*                *                *

GORYCHKA, 37, of New Windsor, New York, is charged with one count of distribution and receipt of child pornography, which carries a minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  The statutory minimum and maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the efforts of the FBI, West Point’s Criminal Investigation Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Town of New Windsor Police Department, in connection with this investigation.  He added that the investigation is ongoing.                     

The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division.  Assistant United States Attorney Marcia S. Cohen is in charge of the prosecution.  

---

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

[2] With respect to Mega, a user can send a link to a Mega cloud account to another person.  Once the link to the Mega cloud account is transmitted, the person who clicks on the link to the cloud account can access, view, and download the files contained in that Mega cloud account.

Attachment(s): 

Download Patrick Edwin Gorychka_complaint_1.pdf

Topic(s): 

Project Safe Childhood

Component(s): 

USAO - New York, Southern

Contact: 

Jim Margolin, Nicholas Biase (212) 637-2600

Press Release Number: 

19-414

Here's How Pedophiles Trick Your Kids Through Video Games

"I've seen kids as young as 6 sexually abuse their siblings at the demand of the predator," said an HPD officer.

Author: Melissa Correa

HOUSTON — Want to feel old? Try to play a current video game.

You're no longer limited to playing with one other person who is sitting right next to you.

"And you probably had to stay in your living room, right? Now, every kid has cellphones and iPads and we give them all this access to the world," said Houston Police Department Sergeant Luis Menendez-Sierra.



Menedez Sierra leads the Houston Police Department's online child sex crimes unit. A lot of the cases are linked to online video games designed for children.

"The video games, parents kind of have this false, safe feeling. Oh, well he’s just playing a video game," said Menendez-Sierra. "But you don’t even think that some of these safe games that are tailored for children, specifically have dangers, because they have chat options, where they can chat with other people."

And not just text chats, which are offered in games likes Fortnite and Roblox. Video games like Minecraft now offer a voice chat option.

And while popular games offer a "kids only" version, videos posted on YouTube can walk you through ways to "hack" into a kid game server.

"You have to be cautious," urges the police sergeant. "Because just as easily as your child logged in as a 9-year old is as easy as I can go in there and pretend to be a 9-year old."

While many parents know that pedophiles look for ways to interact with their children in video games, Menendez-Sierra explains how it all happens.

And it doesn't happen immediately. We're talking months that the predator is chatting with a child while pretending to be a kid, too.

"That’s where they develop that relationship. That’s where they develop that trust. Let’s say you’re playing with me, some game where we’re working as a team. You’re developing a relationship with that person where you begin to trust them. You say, you have my back, right? In the video game, not knowing that the ulterior motive is to get to your child."

AN EXAMPLE OF HOW THE ONLINE CONVERSATION PROGRESSES

Hey, how are you?

What's your name?                                                             
Where do you live?
                                                                              Do you play often?

What games do you like to play?

**time passes, trust is built**

Do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend?

Why don't you?

Have you ever done this or that?

**more time passes**

Do you have another device where we can talk?

Do you know how we can share pictures?

I want to see what you look like.

**it progresses from there**

"The next thing you know," says Menendez-Sierra, "inappropriate pictures are exchanged and that's where it barrels out of control."

A LOOK AT THE CASE LOAD

If you think conversations like that are rare, you're wrong. Menendez-Sierra says Houston police are tracking a 200% increase in cyber tips reported in the last three years. He reminds us that a lot of these cases start with that simple video game chat.

"Once they get that one picture, let’s say there’s a picture that’s inappropriate. That the child sends an inappropriate picture, they’ve gotten them, coerced them to do that? It can lead to exploitation."

Police have stacks of evidence that shows how the predator convinces the child to do outrageous things in an effort to get more photos.

"And once the child says, no, well guess what? I know everything about you. I know all your friends. I know all your family. I know what school you go to and I'm going to send them that picture you sent me before, if you don't send me a picture now."

Houston police detectives have seen horrific instances where children have even sexually abused their siblings at the demand of a predator.

"I've seen some as young a six," said Menendez-Sierra who is a husband and father.

He says a lot of the victims have no idea what's going on, because they're growing up in a #SelfieCulture, where it's normal to see adults and older children take photo and photo of themselves.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD?

1) Install monitoring software:

"You do have to pay for the good ones, and it’s worth every penny."

2) Make sure your child only plays the games in front of you.

3) Turn off wi-fi at night-- because kids can also access games through devices        distributed by their school, or from a pedophile who is worried communication      may be limited.

WHAT IF YOU FIND SOMETHING CONCERNING ON A DEVICE?

If you find something concerning on your child's device do not delete the content. Police need you to preserve as much evidence as possible. Take screen shots. Get user names. Save the chats. Do not respond to the person who is communicating with your child. Don't give them a reason to vanish. Collect as much information as possible and call police.

HOW TO LEARN MORE

Houston Police use NETSMARTZ when giving presentations to parents. There is also kid-appropriate training material for kids as young as kindergarten. 

NETSMARTZ is a resource built by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which offers more resources AND offers the option for someone to make a CYBER TIP. You can also call in a tip about cyber crimes against children through a free 24-hour hotline: 1-800-843-5678.

Houston police are a part of this federal task force. You can learn more at ICACtaskforce.org 

The FBI also offers online resources about all of the ways and reasons predators want to access children.