THE Technology Crime Suppression Division police today (Nov. 2) warned parents to beware of cybercriminals craftily luring and entrapping children through online games, PPTVHD 36 said.
In a Facebook message, Cyber Police drew attention to hidden threats in children’s games as there are gangs that target youngesters lurking around. The online world is not just a place to have fun and parents must beware of these threats before their childrens fall prey to criminals disguised as friends.
Cybercriminals’ modus operandi:
– Invite children to chatrooms and secret groups, claiming to be their “game friends”;
– Initiate conversation, establish rapport, and then trick them into sending private photos or videos;
– Use these photos to threaten and coerce them into inappropriate behaviour;
– Share or sell photos to secret groups.
Warning signs for parents:
– Children become withdrawn and refuse access to their mobile phone;
– Show signs of depression, stress, or self-destructive trauma;
– Excessive use of games or chat applications.
Prevention measures:
– Talk to your child and be open about online safety;
– Check the usage of chatrooms and secret groups linked to the game;
– Set privacy settings and limit who can add friends or send messages;
– Immediately report any threats, harassment, or sending of obscene images.
Parents should report any online incident or damage at http://www.thaipoliceonline.go.th or call the 24-hour hotline at 1441.
CAPTIONS:
Top – A child playing an online game. Image by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi from Pixabay
Front Page – A graphic image of a child playing an online game. Credit – Cyber Police
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