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Stay alert and stay safe from online predators

Editor's ChoiceStay alert and stay safe from online predators

Understanding how these predators operate is crucial in safeguarding our loved ones from potential harm.

MUMBAI: In the world of the internet, there are individuals who hide behind screens, waiting to take advantage of unsuspecting people. With a cloak of anonymity and deceit, these predators seek to exploit vulnerabilities and manipulate their targets for nefarious purposes. As we spend more time online, it becomes imperative to arm ourselves with knowledge and vigilance to protect against the lurking dangers posed by online predators.

DARK TACTICS OF ONLINE PREDATORS UNVEILED
Understanding how these predators operate is crucial in safeguarding our loved ones from potential harm.
* Creating a Facade of Deception: Online predators are masters of deception, adept at crafting false personas on social media and gaming platforms. By assuming the guise of a child or teenager, they seamlessly blend into these virtual environments, earning the trust of their victims through relatable and friendly interactions. For instance, a predator may infiltrate popular gaming realms like Minecraft or Roblox, where they can engage with children under the guise of innocence.
Example: Predator: Hi there! I’m XYZ, a 14-year-old gamer just like you. What games do you enjoy playing?
Target Victim: Oh, I love playing Roblox and Minecraft!
* Building a Web of Trust: Once initial contact is established, predators weave a web of deceit through carefully constructed conversations aimed at building rapport. By showering their targets with compliments, sharing common interests, or offering enticing gifts such as in-game currency or gift cards, predators seek to instill a sense of loyalty and a special bond with the target.
Example: Predator: You’re really good at this game! I can gift you some Robux to help you level up faster.
Target Victim: Wow, that’s so nice of you! Thank you!
* The Anatomy of Isolation: To further solidify their grip on the victim, predators delve into personal inquiries about the child’s life, probing into their familial and social connections. This information serves as a tool to isolate the child/teen from their support network, fostering dependency on the predator’s deceptive web.
Example: Predator: Do your parents always monitor your gaming sessions? It’s cool that we can chat privately without them knowing.
Child: Yeah, they’re always checking on me. It’s nice to have someone to talk to without them interrupting.
* The Disturbing Escalation: As the relationship progresses, online predators insidiously introduce sexual undertones into their interactions. Through the sharing of explicit images and discussions, they normalize inappropriate behavior and coerce the child/teen into reciprocating, leading to the exchange of explicit content.
Example: Predator: Have you ever kissed anyone before? I think it’s fun to have a boyfriend or girlfriend at our age.
Child: No, I haven’t. It does sound exciting though.
* The Harrowing Reality of Sextortion: In the most sinister turn of events, predators may resort to blackmailing the child with the explicit content shared. This despicable act, known as sextortion, involves threats of exposing the images to the child’s friends or family unless they comply with further demands. The mental toll of such manipulation can be devastating for the victim.
Example: Predator: I really trust you, but I have this picture of us playing together. If you send me a picture, it’ll be our little secret.
Child: Okay, here’s a picture of me. Please don’t show it to anyone.

TACTICS TO BUILD TRUST AND CONTROL
Online predators use various manipulative tactics to deceive and control their targets. Let’s understand how they use compliments, shared experiences, guilt trips, reverse psychology and common phrases to build trust:
a. How do predators use compliments to lure victims?
Predators often butter up their victims with flattering words to make them feel special.
For example, they might say things like: “You’re amazing/smart/funny/good looking/never met anyone like you, your humor is unmatched; you’re one of a kind.”
This kind of flattery can make the victim feel valued and more likely to trust the predator.
b. How do predators use shared experiences to gain trust?
Predators often share personal stories or show vulnerability to create a bond with their targets.
They might say: “I get what you’re going through; I’ve been there too.”
By sharing relatable experiences, predators aim to build a connection and earn trust from their victims.
c. What tactics do predators use to make victims feel guilty?
Predators often manipulate victims into feeling guilty or responsible for their actions.
They might say things like: “If you really cared about me, you’d help me out.”
This can make the victim feel obligated to comply with the predator’s demands out of guilt.
d. How do predators use reverse psychology to control victims?
Predators sometimes use reverse psychology by suggesting that the victim shouldn’t do something, which can make the victim want to do it.
For instance: “You probably wouldn’t want to share that with me if you’re not comfortable.”
This tactic can subtly pressure the victim into complying by making them feel like they’re missing out.
e. What are some common phrases predators use to build trust?
Predators often use phrases that appeal to their victims’ emotions and desires, such as: “You can trust me; I’d never harm you.”
“I’m here for you; you can share anything with me.”
These kinds of statements are meant to create a sense of safety and openness, making the victim more likely to disclose personal information.

CONCLUSION
By understanding these manipulative tactics, individuals of all ages can better identify warning signs of predatory behavior and take steps to protect themselves from potential harm. If you or someone you know falls victim to online predators, it’s crucial to take action. Report any instances of cybercrime to the appropriate authorities. You can register a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in to ensure that the incident is investigated and the necessary steps are taken to address the situation.

* Khushbu Jain is a practicing advocate in the Supreme Court and founding partner of the law firm, Ark Legal. She can be contacted on X: @advocatekhushbu

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