As if parents of teens didn’t have enough to worry about when it comes to their kids’ safety, there is now the online network known as “764.” The predatory network targets teens and has become the subject of more than 250 FBI investigations that are being tackled by every. single. one. of the Bureau’s offices nationwide.
It’s a staggering number with a staggering scope, and there is a whole lot that parents need to know about this scary network of predators.
What is 764?
According to ABC News, 764 is a loose network of violent predators who seek out and befriend t(w)eens online and then coerce them into sexual and violent behavior. There have been instances of coercing victims into creating graphic child pornography, harming family pets, cutting themselves, or even dying by suicide. Authorities say some 764 members even host “watch parties” to watch teen victims being coerced live, and/or they share the disturbing content with other members.
“We see a lot of bad things, but this is one of the most disturbing things we’re seeing,” said FBI Assistant Director David Scott, the head of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division.
Yes, the Counterterrorism Division plus the Justice Department’s National Security Division are now handling many of the investigations tied to 764 and its offshoots or subgroups. They have characterized the top predators as “nihilistic violent extremists” and say the more “gore” and violence these predators are able to get out of teens, the higher their “stature” is within 764.
“So it’s sort of a badge of honor within some of these groups to actually do the most harm to victims,” Scott said.
He described some of the main goals of 764 to “sow chaos” and “bring down society.” All by preying on teens.
How Are Teens Being Extorted?
In many cases, members of 764 are extorting or “sextorting” their victims. They are not necessarily looking for money, but for more content. Just one explicit picture can be enough to blackmail a vulnerable teenager into sending more.
Victims may even experience “swatting.” This is when false reports of crimes are called in to induce SWAT teams to go to the victim’s house. Just the threat of that scary experience might convince teens to continue to comply with their abuser.
And if you’ve made it this far, you won’t be surprised by the horrifying truth of the perhaps fatal ramifications for teens who try to get out of this cycle. An Arkansas man was arrested for plotting to murder a 14-year-old girl who started resisting his demands. He pleaded guilty earlier this year to said conspiracy and child pornography charges, saying he thought his intended crime would raise his status within 764.
Who is Being Impacted by 764?
Anyone. The FBI has seen some victims as young as 9 years old, there could be thousands of victims worldwide, and there is no reason to think members of 764 are only targeting one demographic or sex. In fact, as of 2023, most victims of sextortion (related to 764 or otherwise) are boys between the ages of 14 and 17.
“The FBI has seen a horrific increase in reports of financial sextortion schemes targeting minor boys — and the fact is that the many victims who are afraid to come forward are not even included in those numbers,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said at the time.
In June 2024, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) found that the primary platforms where teens were being targeted were Instagram and Snapchat.
And if you are thinking, “Well, my teen would never get in a situation like this,” that is exactly what the Connecticut mom of a teen victim of 764 thought.
And yet, the former honor roll student was arrested for conspiring with a 764 member — who she met on the gaming platform Roblox — to direct bomb threats in her town. When police searched her devices, they also found pornographic photos of herself, photos of self-mutilation, and images of her “paying homage” to the online network.
“It was very difficult to process, because we didn’t raise her to engage in that kind of activity,” the victim’s mom told ABC News.
What Can Parents Do To Protect Their Kids From 764?
Everyone can play a role while the FBI works to close these ongoing investigations. “We need the help of parents, teachers, and others who may become aware that a child is in danger,” Jim Marshall, FBI Miami Public Information Officer, said in a statement, per CBS 12 News.
Authorities encourage parents to watch for changes in their teens’ activities or personality, be on the lookout for kids wearing long-sleeved clothing on hot days, which could be a sign of covering up self-harm, and check for strange injuries to family pets.
In a previous statement about sextortion, Dave Frattare, Commander of the ICAC Task Force of the Cuyahoga County Ohio Prosecutor’s Office in Cleveland, has urged parents not to let kids go to bed or be behind closed doors with their phones. Especially not at night, when he says these crimes are most common.
“I also urge parents to have a conversation with their kids. Say, ‘Do not ever send naked pictures to anybody,” Frattare continued. “But if you do get caught up in something like this, come to me no matter what time of day or night it is, and I will help you. We will get through it together.’”
Just last year, Teresa Huizar, CEO of National Children’s Alliance, told SheKnows that “continually” talking to teens about being safe online is “the most important thing.”
“Kids and teenagers need to know just how good people can be at pretending to be someone they are not. Pictures, social media profiles, voice messages — these can all be falsified,” Huizar said. “Adolescents also need to understand that any image or video sent on the internet, even if it’s through private messages or locked accounts, can be made public and distributed.
“The adage still stands: If you don’t want your grandma to see it, don’t send it, text it, or post it,” she continued. “Lastly, make sure your kids know that if they have sent or received explicit images or someone is trying to harm them, they can open up to you without fear of punishment or judgment, even if they’ve broken a rule that you’ve set for their social media use.”
Huizar explained that many victims of sextortion struggle with feelings of shame that stop them from seeking help. It’s a heartbreaking reality that predators are quite aware of. “Ending the shame-secrecy cycle is critical to exposing and stopping people who want to harm children,” she said.
Families impacted by 764 can contact local authorities, the FBI, or, as Huizar says, there are hundreds of Children’s Advocacy Centers across the country that provide a safe environment for children and teens to get help. Just check the National Children’s Alliance’s website to find the center closest to you.
Before you go, check out recent under-the-radar recalls that could impact your teen.