HERE ARE THE MOST POPULAR WAYS PREDATORS LURE OUR CHILDREN:

Knowing the top lure techniques (as identified by the FBI) that are used by child predators will better prepare you to talk openly to your children and teach them what key phrases to look for and how to stay safe.

The Helpless Lure: This is a person who needs help carrying boxes to his car, or to find a lost dog, or lost child.

Prevention: Tell children that adults don’t ask kids for help in any way. Adults should ask Adults for help or directions or whatever they want.

The Promise Lure: This is when the predator promises to take the child to Mommy and Daddy. Or perhaps promises a surprise or candy in the car.

Prevention: Tell children that they are NEVER to go with anyone unless Mom or Dad has instructed them to.

The Gift Giving Lure: This is the predator who gives the child candy, toys, money, or other gifts.

Prevention: Tell children NEVER to accept gifts from anyone unless they received permission from Mom and Dad. This includes money from other family members (especially when the child is told to keep a secret). Tell children that we don’t keep secrets in our family.

The Messenger: This is the predator who tells the child that “Mommy was in a car accident” and the child is to go with them. Or “Your Mom called and asked me to pick you up today.”

Prevention: Tell children the names of people you have entrusted as emergency back ups. Remind them NEVER to go with anyone unless Mom or Dad instructs them to.

The Leader (Authority Figure): This is the policeman, priest, teacher or other authority figure who uses their position and suggested authority to win the child’s trust.

Prevention: Tell children not to go with anyone no matter what they are wearing or who they are, even if it means that they might get into trouble. (Many authority figures tell kids they will be in trouble, or threaten to hurt Mom and Dad if the child doesn’t cooperate).

Friendly Lure: This is the nice friendly predator who engages the child in conversation.

Prevention: Teach children not to talk to any adults they don’t know unless their parent is with them.

Playing Games: This is the predator that plays “touching games” and makes the child promise not to tell. Or other ‘games’ that the child feels uncomfortable with.

Prevention: Teach children to listen to their instincts. If something makes them feel funny in their stomachs, they are to stop, run and tell.

Too Cool: This is the person who the child looks up to as “cool.” Perhaps a friend’s older sibling, or a relative or a neighbor who has the latest video games.

Prevention: Teach children to listen to their instincts. If someone asks them to do something they know is wrong or feels funny, teach them to stop, run and tell.

The Magician Lure: This is the predator who seemingly magically knows the child’s name or other information about the child.

Prevention: Don’t put nametags on the outside of your children’s clothing, books, book bags, etc.

The Power Predator: This is the scary predator that just grabs the child off his/her bike and throws them into the car.

Prevention: This is the time when a child should fight, scream, kick, bite. Tell children that if they are on their bikes and someone tries to take them off, they should hold the bike as hard as they can while screaming, “You’re not my Mom/Dad!”

Lost Pet: This lure involves the predator asking a child to help them find their lost pet. Sometimes a monetary award may also be offered. If the child agrees, they might wander off by themselves where they are easy prey for the predator. The predator might also convince them to ride around in his car looking around the neighborhood while he drives around. Once he has them in the car, they are in serious trouble.

Mail Lure: In this lure, the predator parks near a mailbox and waits for a child to come along. When they do, he asks them to put some items in the mailbox for him. Once they get close enough to the car to take the items, they are easily grabbed and driven away.

Directions Lure: This lure is similar to the mail lure. The child is asked for directions to an address, street or business. If they don‘t get close enough to be grabbed, the predator acts as though he can’t hear them until they are close enough. By teaching our children to never get within 10 feet of an adult stranger in a car, the effectiveness of these lures can be minimized.

Handicap Lure: This is a very effective lure, even on adults. It was a favorite technique used by the serial killer Ted Bundy. This lure is effective because we all have a natural sympathy for someone who is handicapped or injured in some way. In this lure, the predator acts as though he has a broken arm or leg. He might have an arm in a sling or a fake cast on his leg. By making himself look harmless and incapable of doing violence, he gets his prey to drop their guard. Usually, they will appear they are having trouble getting a large item or several items into their vehicle. When the child gets close enough to help, they are pushed into the car. Once they are in the car, the predator has the advantage.