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If you like to go into chat rooms or for those who have children, you may want to know more about how online predators work. It’s important to know these things for the simple fact that internet stalkers don’t just prey on young children; anyone can become the victim of an online predator. In addition, it’s not just men - a woman can be an internet predator too. Anyone could be an online predator and you may even find one or two of the people that you talk to, may in actual fact be an internet stalker.

Here’s how predators often work; they will try to get a potential victim to talk to them in chat rooms, by email, or through instant messaging. There are many teens that are targeted in such areas, but online predators always look for people who are vulnerable. They will try to get you to trust them, and try to do it quickly. They will try to establish a connection to the person within the first fifteen minutes.

An internet predator will try to seduce their potential victim through the attention they give and the amount of effort and time they spend communicating. They may gradually try to introduce sexual content into their conversations or send some sexually graphic material. This person will also try to show some interest in the things that you like; for instance - music, movies, hobbies and more. Some people who work quickly trying to get a “date.” Some people will talk to you for weeks before they move into sexual topics. They all will want to meet you offline at some point - and that is where you can really put yourself at risk.

You do not want to give out any information that could lead others to you directly or indirectly. Directly, would be telling the person your full name or address, but indirectly would be through the various sites online with your information on it. You do not want to encourage the stalker’s means of hurting you.

Teens are targeted most often because they are very vulnerable. They are at risk for online predators because they long for someone to take an interest in them or for someone to show them some attention. You may be able to save your children from online predators by simply making them feel important and giving them your attention when they need it or want it.

You should know that anyone online could be a predator. Likewise, anyone online could find themselves the victim of an online predator. Regardless of your age or gender - you still could be at risk. It’s not just teens that are at risk and it’s not just girls. There are some women predators, although that is rare. When you go online you are opening up the world. Your chances of becoming the target of an online predator will increase.

So please exercise caution and common sense.

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