OAKES, N.D. (Valley News Live) – The Oakes Police Department is warning parents about a dangerous criminal network that investigators say is targeting children through popular online gaming platforms and social media apps.

In a public safety notice issued in coordination with Dickey County State’s Attorney, Kimberly Radermacher, police said federal and multi-state law enforcement agencies have identified an organized group that is actively reaching out to minors on platforms including Discord, Roblox, TikTok, and Instagram.

The FBI has confirmed it is aware of the network and has characterized it as dangerous, with activity reported in multiple states and countries, according to the notice.

Investigators say members of the group often pose as peers or online friends to make initial contact with children. They then use threats and coercion to manipulate victims, including threatening to expose personal information or contact victims’ families, schools, or friends.

Police are urging parents to watch for warning signs, including children being secretive about online activity or quickly closing screens when an adult approaches; conversations with people they have never met in person; unexplained gifts, gaming currency or requests for gift cards; unapproved apps on their devices, particularly Discord or Telegram; anxiety or behavior changes tied to online use; and mentions of keeping online friendships secret from parents.

Officials recommend parents talk openly with children about who they interact with online, review apps on their devices and understand what they do, enable parental controls on games and social media, and preserve any suspicious messages before contacting law enforcement.

Anyone who believes their child has been contacted by this group is urged to call police or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The department also directed a message to young people, saying that if they have had contact with the group, they have done nothing wrong and are not in trouble.

Officers said they are “here to help, not to judge,” and encouraged children to speak with a parent, trusted adult or contact police directly. The full interview is below.