The FBI is warning parents about a dark corner of the internet many people don’t even know exists. It is not about too much screen time or random internet strangers.
Organized online groups are actively targeting kids across the U.S. and pushing them into things that escalate fast and get really dangerous. And according to the FBI, these networks are growing.
How kids get pulled in
These networks, often grouped under names like “764,” are not operating in obscure corners of the internet. They show up on popular messaging apps, social media, and even gaming platforms. Basically, the same places kids already hang out. And they don’t start with anything obvious.
It usually begins like any normal online interaction – someone messaging and building trust. Sometimes, the person even pretends to be a friend or romantic interest.
According to the FBI, victims are manipulated into sharing graphic or explicit content, participating in self-harm or harmful behavior, and engaging in disturbing acts such as animal cruelty.
Once that line is crossed, it doesn’t stop there
After that initial step, things escalate quickly. The same people then demand more extreme actions from the victims or coerce them into committing crimes.
It gets so bad that the victims are eventually pushed to murder.
The idea is to get the victims to perform degrading and harmful acts in a bid to shame and isolate them. In order to get them to comply with the requests for these increasingly degrading acts, members of these networks use tactics like doxing and swatting.
According to authorities, this is bigger than one group. “764” is just the name of one network. There are multiple offshoots, different groups, different labels – all with similar tactics.
The FBI says it is already investigating hundreds of individuals nationwide, with every field office involved.
The signs can be subtle, but they’re there
The FBI is asking parents to watch out for specific behavioral changes such as sudden withdrawal, mood shifts, unusual injuries, changes in sleep or eating habits, and hiding of parts of the body.
Parents are also advised to be wary of unexplained gifts or messages from people unknown to the family. And any talk of self-harm or feeling unwanted should not be swept under the carpet.
While these don’t automatically mean something is wrong, it is important to take early red flags seriously and not be the parent that assumes they know what is going on until they don’t.
Which apps to look out for
Unfortunately the FBI warning avoids naming specific apps and platforms to prevent groups from simply hopping to new ones, but safety researchers and law enforcement have identified where these “764” networks are most active. Initial contact frequently occurs on gaming platforms like Roblox and Minecraft, where predators build trust through in-game chat or by offering virtual currency.
Once a connection is established, victims are often moved to more private, unmoderated spaces on Discord or Telegram to facilitate extortion. Social media apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are also used as scouting grounds to identify vulnerable children, while gaming-centric sites like Twitch and Steam serve as additional recruitment hubs.
Sources: WSMV 4, FBI Boston