Protect Your Child: Learn the 15 Common Strategies Criminals Use to Lure Their Victims
Updated February 2004 — As parents, one of the most important talks you can have with your children is about the danger of exploitation and abduction, and what they can do to protect themselves. It’s a conversation that may be uncomfortable, but it is essential — and may save your child’s life.
Ken Wooden, a former investigative reporter for network television, has dedicated his career to making the world a safer place for children. He is the author of Child Lures Parent Guide, which identifies the clever strategies used by criminals to lure young victims. These strategies include:
1.The Affection Lure
By using friendly overtures, an adult can trick children into believing sexual molestation is a sign of “love.” To keep this from happening, establish and maintain a good relationship with your children and teach them that sexual advances are always a criminal act — and never a sign of affection.
2.The Assistance Lure
Abductors can lure children away by pretending to be in need of assistance. For example, a child may be asked to help look for a lost puppy, carry a heavy package to someone’s car or give directions to a local landmark. To keep your children safe, teach them to say no to these requests.
3.The Authority Lure
Authority figures such as teachers and police officers sometimes use their power to bully children into submission. This also holds true for adults posing as authority figures. Children who are confronted by authority figures, genuine or otherwise, should always have their parents verify credentials and motives.
4.The Bribery Lure
Children may be persuaded to follow orders if they are offered food, money or other gifts. Teach them to be wary of bribes and to avoid keeping secrets from you.
5.The Computer/Online Lure
Predators take advantage of the anonymity of the Internet as they employ the various lures above. If your children go online, encourage them to protect themselves and their family’s privacy by reading and signing the Child Lures Family Internet Safety Pact here.
6.The Drug Lure
Teach your children the dangers of drugs so they will steer clear of anyone who uses drugs to bribe, blackmail or incapacitate others.
7.The Ego/Fame Lure
Your children may be approached by people pretending to be talent scouts, modeling agents and the like. As a parent, you should always verify credentials.
8.The Emergency Lure
Strangers and even family friends may try to lure children away by pretending that a loved one is sick, injured or in danger. Children who are approached by anyone making these claims should verify the situation through another trusted adult.
9.The Fun & Games Lure
Child molesters may try to engage children in sexual behavior by playing games that involve bodily contact, such as tickling, wrestling or bathing. Teach your children to distinguish between innocent and inappropriate forms of play.
10.The Hero Lure
Children who admire sports heroes and other role models may become “starstruck” and abandon their better judgment. To prevent this from happening, teach your children to follow the same guidelines with role models — and anyone posing as a role model — that they would with any adult.
11.The Job Lure
Tell your children to come to you first if they are ever approached by adults offering jobs or job interviews.
12.The Name Recognition Lure
Strangers who know your children by name may be in a better position to manipulate them. Therefore, if you must write your children's names on their clothing and other possessions, try to do so in an inconspicuous place.
13.The Playmate/Companion Lure
An adult may use one child to aid in the abduction or molestation of other children. Teach your children to alert you if they are encouraged by a friend or peer to participate in unusual activities.
14.The Pornography Lure
Child molesters know that children who view graphic depictions of sexual behavior may eventually see this behavior as "normal." Teach your children to alert you if anyone attempts to share pornography with them.
15.The Threats & Fear Lure
This is perhaps the only lure that is not subtle. Teach your children to report threats.
If you would like more information on Ken Wooden's program, please visit the Child Lures site at www.childlures.com. Also, contact Memorial Healthcare System Community Relations at (954) 276-5985 to learn more about programs pertaining to child safety and protection.