This is how a predator targets 9-year-old Spokane boy on Roblox

Parents used to warn children about strangers in vans, but now, kids need to be aware of strangers online and on video games.
It is not an internet conspiracy theory; it happened to a child in Spokane.
A stranger targeted him through a video game chat and made disturbing threats and demands.
It all happened in the game Roblox. If your child doesn’t play it, their friends probably do.
The site has more than 48 million active uses and most are between the ages of 9 and 13. Anyone can download it and kids can chat with people they don't know.
Search warrant documents say that is how a predator started talking to a 9-year-old Spokane boy. The conversation escalated over the course of four months and the stranger even pretended to be the boy’s pastor, further gaining his trust.
FBI Special Agent Christian Parker said it is something that is happening more and more.
“So, there’s a lot of different approaches they take, but always employing some kind of deception, some kind of threat or promises of money or gifts to get that young person to open up and talk to them,” Parker said.
That is when the conversation took an even darker turn. In this case, the stranger learned about the boy’s past and threatened to shoot him, knowing one of the child’s family members had shot themselves.
Then, the predator asked the boy for nude pictures and videos.
Search warrant documents show the boy sent 25 naked photos and five videos to this stranger, who then asked the boy to introduce him to more friends.
Court records show the predator tried the same thing when he was introduced to a 9-year-old girl. She did not send anything and told a school counselor who then went to the police.
“They shouldn’t be afraid to come forward when somebody is asking for these pictures or even if they’ve sent these pictures,” Parker said. “It’s okay to talk to parents, school staff or law enforcement.”
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is now investigating. The FBI is not involved yet, but they are aware of cases like this.
“We’re taking any number of approaches to track down and identify these predators,” Parker said.
Documents say the sexual images were shared through the Roblox chat feature. The company told 4 News Now gamers can only chat, not send photos or videos.
Roblox also says it filters inappropriate content for young users, but it doesn’t mean predators can’t find another way.
“In games like Roblox, we as parents have a role to set up the child's account properly,” said Andy Robertson.
Robertson is a video game journalist who has written a book and website on how parents can help their children avoid dangerous situations like this.
He says Roblox automatically applies restricted settings based on age, but it is up to parents to put in the right information.
“It’s worth spending a good, maybe half an hour looking at those settings and understanding,” Robertson said. “Maybe talking to your child about them, like who should you be able to talk to, should anyone be able to make a friend request.”
Through a parent’s email, families can track what their child is playing and who they are talking to.
Any form of media can be unsafe, but that is why parents need to play a role at the beginning and monitor what is happening online.
Police are still trying to find the true identity of the stranger who preyed on the young Spokane boy.
Investigators got a hold of what they believed was the predator’s username on Roblox. But, the company said it was not valid. If investigators do find out who did it, they could face at least 15 years in prison, if they are convicted of a federal crime.
Roblox declined to do an interview for this story, but did say they work to prevent, detect and promptly report any suspected online grooming.
While Roblox moderates what happens on its game, other chat apps may have less stringent safety settings.
While safety starts with keeping an eye on a child’s gaming habit, there are settings that allow families to restrict a child’s account when someone isn’t around.
If you sign up your child and they are under 13, Roblox automatically blocks inappropriate words, phrases and questions related to personal information.
The company also automatically prevents people from messaging children, unless they are accepted as a friend.
Once the account is set up, parents can go to "account restrictions" and limit or turn off the chat feature. If a change is made, parents also have the ability to require a four-digit code to confirm the changes.
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[@TemptedDot]

giving children unregulated internet access was a mistake

[@EstevanSandoval-st7gm]

It is usually safe now but children must always be careful

[@LordCogsley]

@@EstevanSandoval-st7gmthe children shouldn’t have to be careful

[@EstevanSandoval-st7gm]

@@LordCogsleybut the parents are always scared of this

[@heartsf0rfour]

I have to show this to my friend because she is dating a "14 year old" and she actually believes them..

[@kevinsplushproduction]

update?

[@julululu2008]

Used to play rb from 2017. It's scary how predators are targeting children though rblx.

[@improbablyfur]

always been like that. since 2009 there were predators and 4 days ago another predator got exposed

[@haxveenn]

Roblox can be safe with the most unrestricted controls ever. But the most important thing is that these kids should know pretty damn well not to put there info or any of there addresses on there. Roblox has become more unsupervised lately to the point where they added voice chat. Sure it has voice chat but it’s for 13+. Just wait till the age is appropriate for your child it’s up to you, they can avoid this and so can you.

[@RoboLobster3000]

18 plus actually

[@gibberish7380]

@@RoboLobster3000 13+. roblox does not require an id for voice chat, and hasn't for a long time.

[@MRBOSSFORTHEWIN]

​@@gibberish7380 When I just joined a game someone sent me a friend request but I declined it because that was just random I only just spawned in a game and I got a request which was weird but I left the game after it happened it could of been a child sending random request to people that they don't know it could have been a hacker or anyone dangerous that I don't know of

[@maurice2014]

Can it be "safe"? you can say that for anything. Jumping off of a building can be "safe" if you have a parachute.

[@Imillinthehead]

Kids also can control what they do on there, so when a parent complains that something made a kid do something inappropriate or they joined a bad game, the kid did that, knowing it was wrong.

[@rileysmindcom9485]

I’m 16 I still play roblox but it’s nice. It’s not just kids also the teenagers.

[@nathan-qx2ep]

Nah unjust a nerd dog 😭😭

[@Copper78778]

I'm not going to play Roblox anymore

[@beanslife1869]

Yeah :) I stream on rolblox sometimes, people can be hella sus

[@D00kie753]

ive played it with vc and it was all grown men. its kinda weird

[@bloxyroblox]

​​@@D00kie753vc is 13+ and most people are.14-19

[@LittleEdgyRat]

Their was a game where you talk to people and there was a guy asking for nudes and other sexual things. I’ve heard other people asking the same question on the same game

[@camille1136]

In my opinion, it is one of the worst online games for kids out there why? Adult content: roblox is moving more towards adult content, rather than kid friendly content. Even if you set your profile so your under the age of eighteen, you won't automatically get out of playing inappropriate games. Online Predators: roblox is known for having online Predators who WILL ask for your information such as Address, age, full name, and other stuff. Predators have also been known to do inappropriate things, mostly targeted at CHILDREN. Adopt Me has been known for this. Online dating/ E-Dating: people will go on roblox, a lot of the time, roleplaying games like, Brookhaven, where they will pretend to date one another. And no. I'm not talking about, “love you babe!” “I love you too! Marry me!” “Ok!” I'm talking about full on SEX where ANY CHILD CAN walk in on and see. Not just preforming inappropriate acts like this, but also sometimes saying things to eachother in the chat. People are rude: on roblox, you never know what someone will say to you, and that could be something mean, or bullying to put it bluntly. Roblox does not censor very well: on roblox, people have been known to cuss. It's what happens. Even if they can't directly say the bad word, they will find a work around, changing a few letters to make it work. The parental restrictions don't work well: going along with #5 and #1, even if you set restrictions, they won't always work. You'll still be able to see children having sex, if someone writes a bad word on a sign in a game, you'll still be able to see that (if it isn't censored) if someone's wearing an inappropriate outfit, yes. You will see that too. Overall: judging on these 6 bullet points, how safe is Roblox? 10=safe 1=not safe. (I am basing this mostly on what i have seen) Adult content: 4 while there aren't too many Adult games that kids can access (yet) there still are quite a bit. Onlime Predators: 3: i have never seen a Predator on roblox, but i have heard of it happening, so were giving this a 3 Online Dating: 5: I give this a five, because while I have personally seen people dating, I have only heard of inappropriate stuff happening. Rude People: 2: I give this a two, because I have on many occasions seen bullying, and just people being rude in general. Censoring: 1: out of everything on this list, I have seen language the most. Every game I've played I've probably seen cussing at least once on each game. Even with just a few letters changed, I could still tell the bad word they were saying. Parental restrictions: 7: I give this a 7 because I don't have any children, and I am an adult, so I've never had to deal with the children controls. The reason I am not giving this a lower rating is because of what I said above. I don't know what all the parental controls do. Based on what I rated each category, I'm going to go for almost the middle and say 4 overall. It's just getting worse and worse.

[@KylerPatterson-nq7de]

#stoprobloxchildgroomers

[@isabelkelly1317]

PLEASE KEEP YOUR CHILDREN SAFE AND GET YOUR KIDS OFF THIS GAME

[@kaelthewise]

it can happen on any app.... It isnt even possible to send images or videos on roblox. You need to stop giving your kids access to apps that allow them to send files that arent checked by moderators.

[@nadatowatch]

no

[@KidsFunReviews]

@@kaelthewise they are

[@KawaiiKemono]

It can happen on any online game

[@thebestnoobyt1270]

SHUT UP OK

[@nyomimunroe773]

I think I got a information bot on me it was asking my age and I left

[@bluebudgieproductions2006]

This is why Roblox needs to get on their game on this honestly

[@randommalaysiakid4]

what discord player says:are you predator💀

[@KidsFunReviews]

They say that Roblox is not for kids but kids have Fortnite and that's is rated 12

[@inknolovia4720]

I don't think you can send picture and video in roblox

[@JoseDigma]

That’s exactly what I was thinking

[@tcwofficalchannel]

you literally can’t lol

[@thefleetneat5280]

I had someone try to get information from me so i started speaking spainish

[@brandontorres4499]

Eso es

[@rizzshimura]

LMFAO SORRY I FOUND THAT FUNNY THEY DESERVE THAT THO 😭

[@MRBOSSFORTHEWIN]

Thats smart I'm going try that

[@vehicleboi5598]

powering pedatation

[@isabelkelly1317]

What everyone doesn't know is while your child is playing this game these people on roblox are actually looking at your child through whatever device they use. Trust me i know what im talking about. There is also a lot of cyberbullying that goes on and i think roblox should be shut down forever

[@jadeangelique8552]

@scrambled eggs gaming people have turning the dial a lil bit back on the dial forever. roblox doesn’t require id unless you go to verify as 18+

[@thickgirlsneedlove2190]

​@scrambled eggs gaming Actually it should be shut down

[@Duduman_Cristan13]

@@thickgirlsneedlove2190 CAP

[@Duduman_Cristan13]

@@thickgirlsneedlove2190 I think it should be like the voice chat system to verify that you are the recommend age for roblox

[@MooojinIsRandom]

Wdym??? A child should be taught to avoid creepy people like that, Roblox shouldn’t be shut down.

[@Hoc_mist]

I’m 12 yet I’m very aware of this

[@BUNNY-on7jm]

Just to let u know guys if your kids play roblox or they don’t play roblox it’s just because when u are online dating and your kids probably hides it and kids are younger they don’t know all of this stuff if your kids dating like a 67 year old and yeah so be careful don’t let your kids play this game

[@igruk0]

… It takes a single report to stop the online dating. Kids Can Still Play.

[@MRBOSSFORTHEWIN]

@AltAccountIdkWhy I've seen everyone on the server report it and nothing happens still no action was taken 7 weeks later the player was still not punished

[@NormalGuy580]

Happens every day

[@moosetube5564]

Dude hi I’ve been playing roblox a long while and no way in hell can you send images in chat :skull:

[@KittyGamingtheBestYoutuber]

exactly. I was thinking the predator tried to make him send the images through a different site and they just talked on Roblox, but the news does not say that. That was just what I thought when I heard them say images, because you are right. You can't send images.

[@extiorproductions1111]

Fr it's dangerous

[@kellynh9303]

WATCH UR KIDS IF U LET THEM PLAY THIS OR ANY GAME. MY MINOR KID WAS JUST TARGETED BY A CREEP A FEW DAYS AGO!

[@user-tj7sz3lj5v]

he wanted him or her. he was horny. give him a break

[@DorienTalks]

I'm really sorry for them. *I hope they had recovered.*

[@user-tj7sz3lj5v]

@@DorienTalks the guy was only horny

[@user-tj7sz3lj5v]

well she apparently is realy cute

[@kellynh9303]

@@user-tj7sz3lj5vStefan, I never said the child is a girl so why assume ? Boys are preyed on by pedophiles equally as girls are. These people do not belong in society at all & can never be rehabilitated unless they are saved by Jesus Christ himself. I believe to say the things you have & commenting all over social media abt being horny for children, you are one of them. Stefan, What makes a grown adult attracted to a child?! Dont worry, I have your answer . It is pure evil . You do know that this abuse to children destroys their lives & physically can kill them, right? You don't belong near any children ever. I hope you never acted on your fantasies & do not have children. Only satan can control your mind to be so debased & deceived & controlled by sexual immorality aka sin. To be attracted to children, the most innocent of us all . Please do yourself a huge favor & stop wallowing about in this way. Ask God to take your desire away & save you or I promise that your eternal life will be filled with grief, guilt, & endless torture & suffering.. The only way out is through a relationship with Jesus Christ, praying & repenting. I had a NDE decades ago and Jesus saved me . God, angels, demons & satan are all very real. Take A look around at the chaos around the world . Don't you wonder why you're like this? It's from satan so he can destroy the children, the future & yourself all at once! Don't allow this! You you can be strong & you can be saved. I strongly suggest you go check out **The Watchman Channel** & **RebelCall Channel** both are extremely eye opening channels & very important. Good luck Stefan. I'm praying for you . Please save yourself. 🌱

[@terryhughes7196]

4 months. They take their time to gain trust.

[@0tt869]

roblox needs to step up their moderation system, it's so garbage and i feel like they are allowing predators on their platform at this point

[@rdy434]

How about just send your kids outside to play

[@RW-ij1ci]

If you're letting you child online, you are apart of the problem.

[@PolishBaconYT]

jew

[@Jhonathan_Garcia]

I have witness a predators many and i call cops when they tell me their adress to make out with them but i go to the location wotu tue cops

[@HardRblx]

i was almost a victim

[@waff69]

im gonna troll em

[@HowManySmall]

bro why did you have to show my game in this 😭😭

[@cutenessoverload841]

What game

[@vextrucity]

Skibidi toilet took him 😰😰😭😭

[@Hazlettnet413]

Shiii didn't know children and kids get traumatised

[@RedAsshole]

Kids Needs To Play Nintendo Online Games Because They Have No Chat Means It's Safe Like Super Smash Bros Super Mario Maker 2 Online Vs Or Mario Kart 8

[@AtariTheAnimator]

No.

[@heyyitsevy]

Fr

[@mimi91xx]

You names and description and you can type in the levels so like

[@Cheerleader644860]

​@@heyyitsevyno chat is fun just be safe

[@Fu_k_israel]

😮

[@not-normal771]

Wood chippers.

[@Kiwi_NZ610]

Wow

[@Blueshandle]

Again, they’re blaming Roblox for something that happens on discord. There’s no way to tell someone to shoot themselves or send naked photos over Roblox. All Roblox had to do with this was have them meet.

[@Samuel4KplusHDD]

Now this is atleast one normal investigation and news Record tv (brazil): make it worse, what about hating on roblox😎

[@Youareloved_forever]

I’m sorry but 25 pictures? This is just fucking sad

[@Bestconatin]

the child was tricked that’s why he sent 25 naked pictures of himself

[@user-tj7sz3lj5v]

@@Bestconatin was is dingaling big or small

[@YourPersonalLawyer69]

I play roblox and this is messed up I get it its a great target but still WHY why would you have sex with a child

[@MaleahSierra-tn9ro]

WTFFFFFFF

[@smilingcritterscatnapchapter3]

Oh no roblox is doom why did y'all did this to roblox

[@santafe3974]

Lag

[@kingneptune2136]

😂😂

[@glockenwise]

muck

[@Six_Pennywise_Fnaf]

= This is nothing new in the world. It has been going on for years, not just on Roblox. You think Roblox is bad?.. check out games like Call Of Duty, Minecraft, ect. Worse stuff happens in those games in voice chat. Watch some streamers playing the games.. They brag about how they troll kids and crap on their TY videos they post. And the conversations are VERY adult. Roblox is tame compared to that crap. 😩

[@ThatFnafguy193]

I DONT CARE I GOT 40 GIRLFRIENDS ON ROBLOX IM ONLY 8

[@Johnnyboy012]

Goodluck lol... dont get kidnapped

[@ThatFnafguy193]

@@Johnnyboy012 it's just a joke lol😆 I ain't dumb enough to fall for them

[@GRINNY599]

@@ThatFnafguy193why did you even met them if you don’t even love them is that what your gonna do when you get a wife

[@DerekPK]

I have 100000000 girlfriends and I’m 20 years old, hopefully they are not predators 🤞

[@pde445]

@@DerekPKthey are 9

[@FURRULZTV]

0:01 kzbin.infoxcmFh0pcAtI?si=ObXiXleGV9w41Gce

[@Aimbot943]

Why should the fbi be involved in this bruh And if they see inappropriate stuff is because they didn’t put their real birth 💀

[@kollatherals_alt]

Fr

[@BuryBerry867]

Very good argument. Yeah, FBI totally shouldn't be involved...

[@chrisb3421]

Here's something crazy.... Send your kids to the yard to play. Stop being lazy and go out there and watch them play if you're afraid of them playing outside. Better than this crap happening

[@totallynotredx4347]

Roblox is for all ages go to privacy settings and set it to no one can chat with them

[@brianhegedus440]

It’s a false sense of security though. My child was smart enough to chat by changing their name. Not as easy but allowed them to circumvent and chat with multiple strangers. It’s not perfect but all privacy setting should be set accordingly and most importantly talk to your kids. They need to be comfortable to talk to you and not fearful.

[@totallynotredx4347]

@@brianhegedus440 thats why you make a pin so they cant change it to they can chat

[@SomeHockeyPlayer]

@@brianhegedus440 this feature is mostly for roleplaying games so you can name yourself, its not in all games, but still be careful

[@thebestnoobyt1270]

@@brianhegedus440 why are you so protective of ur child ur crazy 😂

[@handdrawnjevil]

@@thebestnoobyt1270 are they not allowed to protect their child?

[@igruk0]

Roblox Is Safe, Stop Telling People Not To Play. Ay, This Could Happen IRL, Want Your Kids To Stay Indoors 24/7

[@multijerky]

they’re not telling them not to play, and it’s not exactly safe. there are many unsafe people and games on the site, and since the games are so popular, more predators can enter them. there are children playing the game as well, so if a predator manages to lure them in, things could get far more serious.

[@igruk0]

@@multijerky Well, Roblox Has Filters And a Lot Of Moderation, Too Much Moderation. I got temp banned for spamming mini, roblox thought I was being offensive.

[@agentaaaa]

​@@multijerkysay the same for every other fucking game that exists

[@BeanerMoney]

Kids games should not be online, get off the computer and go outside lil nigga

[@Gamingretroblox]

But you can't send the pictures on Roblox because there is no way 100% without a doubt you cannot send pictures

[@MRBOSSFORTHEWIN]

Good point but predators would of asked them on discord