The Geneva Police Department has issued an alert to the community regarding human traffickers who target juveniles to groom and arrange meetings with their potential victims.
Such criminals often utilize social media and gaming applications to develop a relationship with their intended targets through false promises and coercion.
In 2024, a Geneva teen was contacted by an out-of-state adult, who was not a relative, via a social media gaming application. The man and an accomplice enticed the teen to provide funds for the adults to arrange an in-person meeting with her outside of Illinois. After the teen was reported missing, the Geneva Police Department launched a comprehensive investigation into her disappearance. Police were able to locate the teen out of state in the company of the adults who enticed her to leave Illinois.
The teen was ultimately returned home safely and reunited with her family. An investigation is ongoing.
Police say cases such as this demonstrate the need for parents to be diligent in monitoring their children’s online activity and to be aware of signs of targeting, including if a child exhibits any of the following behaviors:
- Becomes increasingly inquisitive regarding the schedules of household members, so they can be alone.
- Makes suspicious withdraws or transfers of money into or from a bank account.
- Hides their screen from view or frequently excuses themselves from the presence of household members while using a device.
- Uses an unfamiliar device. Some traffickers send cell phones or other electronic communication devices to their targets. If the child is caught with one, they may explain that they are holding onto it for a friend.
Parents can take action to keep their children safe while using the internet, social media, and online games:
- Use parental controls to limit or restrict online activity.
- Insist your child create social media accounts with you – sharing passwords too – and show you how to use the platform.
- Install parental monitoring software that is compatible with your child’s device. Some options include Bark, MSpy, Aura, EyeZy, and Norton Family.
