FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – The Fort Wayne Police Department held a press conference Wednesday morning to warn the community about dangerous online networks they say are exploiting children nationwide, and now here in Fort Wayne. FWPD says groups like 764 are reportedly using Discord, Roblox, Telegram, and other online platforms to build relationships with children and other vulnerable individuals. They say messages and friend requests from such predators can escalate to grooming, sextortion, threats, and psychological manipulation. Information and photos victims send can then be used by 764 to manipulate, threaten, blackmail, or extort children. RELATED: Noble County EMA director urges parents to delete Roblox, Discord | Story continues belowFWPD says its detectives want parents, guardians, educators, and young people to be aware of the online networks that they say are leading to deaths across the country. READ MORE: Teen’s suicide after using Roblox drives Kentucky online protection law “This is a worldwide problem. Fort Wayne and our surrounding community are not immune; these online extremists are targeting our children. It is happening in Fort Wayne,” FWPD Detective Brian Martin said. Detective Martin confirmed the department is actively investigating a case or cases related to such groups, but said no arrests have been made. If you believe your child is being targeted by 764 or another group, FWPD says evidence should be preserved. Usernames, account names, messages, threats, dates and times, telephone numbers, email addresses, and other identifying information should also be documented. Do not immediately delete accounts or messages that may contain evidence, FWPD says. The department also asks that those involved do not confront or try to independently investigate the matter.
“We as parents, teachers, counselors, and law enforcement must keep up with the recent trends used to target our children. We must review our children’s social media, gaming, and online activity.We must ask questions about who our children are communicating with, whether they personally know these people, and what they are chatting/talking about. What are they asking our children in chats and asking our children to share with them?”
The FBI shared the following list of tips for parents and guardians to protect their children: Closely monitor your child’s online activities, especially with whom he/she may be communicating, and make use of parental controls.Conduct regular online searches of your child’s information to monitor the exposure and spread of their information online.Conduct regular updates from software companies to help stop security breaches.Exercise discretion when posting personal information, videos, or photos online, especially content that includes minors.Exercise caution when accepting friend requests, engaging in video calls, and sending images to individuals you do not know personally.Turn off computers and cover webcams when not in use.Do not open attachments from unknown senders.Download applications to monitor your child’s online/phone-related activity.Talk to your kids about this threat and let them know it’s ok to say “no” to someone asking for a nude photo, even if it is their significant other or someone they trust.Keep all texts, emails, and other message interactions as evidence. They are crucial for law enforcement.SEE ALSO: How the FBI is investigating an online extremist group targeting other teensFWPD also shared symbols that are commonly associated with the group 764, along with a PSA. FWPD shared images associated with online predator network 764.(Provided)To be the first to get the latest breaking news alerts, download the 21Alive News App here.You can also catch the latest news from 21Alive anytime on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. Just search “21Alive” in the app store and download the app to your device.Copyright 2026 WPTA. All rights reserved.
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