FBI WARNING: Violent Extremist Group is Targeting Montana Kids

As if parents don't have enough to worry about, federal authorities are warning about a dangerous online group targeting children for their sex trafficking crimes.

FBI Issues Warning to Parents Nationwide

In a video posted to Facebook, FBI authorities issued a warning about a dangerous online group with the goal of sex trafficking children.

In the video, a Dallas FBI agent talks about the "growing threat from members of violent online networks often called '764.'"

"They target minors through social media, gaming apps, and other online platforms."

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I decided to do a deeper dive and learned the FBI has been warning parents about this dangerous group for some time.

"These networks use threats, blackmail, and manipulation to coerce or extort victims into producing, sharing, or live-streaming acts of self-harm, animal cruelty, sexually explicit acts, and/or suicide," a public service announcement from the feds about the group said last year.

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"The footage is then circulated among members of the network to continue to extort victims and exert control over them."

That's absolutely horrifying and disgusting. But why are authorities talking about it now if this information has been available since last year?

"764" Has Been An On-Going Issue

It's likely this information is circulating again because we're nearing so close to summertime. A lot of kids get a break from school during this time and it's an optimal time for would-be predators to find their next target.

The FBI also reported about this issue back in February of this year with a specific warning to residents in New England "and across the United States."

"Victims are typically underage females between the ages of 10 and 17 years old, but anyone can be targeted," authorities said in February, "They often lack a stable support network and may suffer from mental health issues, such as depression, eating disorders, or suicidal ideation."

"They typically have unfettered access to the Internet, are disconnected, and believe they are communicating with someone their own age."

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This is why it's so important to talk to kids about what they share on the internet and to always stay in touch with what your child may be doing online.

It's also important to remind them that you can never take what someone says online to be true.

"Threat actors often groom victims by first establishing a trusting or romantic relationship before eventually manipulating and coercing them into engaging in escalating harmful behavior designed to shame and isolate them," authorities shared.

The feds say that if you or someone you know is a victim or has information that can help, call 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.