SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Perpetrators are using artificial intelligence to prey on their victims’ vulnerabilities, especially kids.
“They’ll spend time grooming them, getting to know them, asking them questions, finding out maybe where and what is happening within their life that can draw them closer to them,” executive director of Call to Freedom Becky Rasmussen said.
Rasmussen said it’s important for kids to know the warning signs of a fake online relationship, such as that person being secretive about their own life or demanding you do what they say.
“They’ll begin to encourage isolation,” Rasmussen said. “Don’t tell somebody that we’ve talked about this. Don’t tell your parents or your trusted individuals that you sent these pictures. Kids will become very secretive.”
Parents can spot warning signs in their child’s behavior, too.
“They will not talk about what type of interaction they’re having online. They may not give you access to their phone if you ask for it because they’re trying to hide this conversation,” Rasmussen said.
According to Call to Freedom, one in five kids are approached online for sextortion or technology-based abuse. Sixty percent of kids have had some kind of technology-based abuse interaction. Boys ages 14 to 17 are the most recent target.
While many kids and parents will do all the right things to try to prevent a situation like this, Rasmussen says these individuals on the opposite side of the screen are good at convincing victims to not speak up.
On Tuesday, a judge sentenced former middle school teacher Justin Preuschl to 24 years behind bars. The U.S. Attorney’s office said Preuschl had nearly 50 victims, including six who were were students at the school where he taught.
Call to Freedom is hosting a free online safety event on December 2nd for parents, caregivers and teens. Federal and local law enforcement will be available for during the hands-on training opportunity.
The event is happening in western Sioux Falls at Embrace Church at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. You can register here.
