Free Fire and Roblox: Increased use of video games to recruit minors

Gamers beware! Although platforms like Free Fire, Roblox , and Minecraft are incredibly popular for gaming and having fun, a new report from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation ( FBI ) and Interpol is raising a serious alarm. It turns out that these games and social networks could be being used by criminals to contact minors and obtain child exploitation material. Yes, that's right!

A recent analysis by the U.S. Secret Service's Cyber Investigative Unit, shared with Mexican authorities, reveals a worrying increase in this trend. Between 2023 and 2024, more cases have been detected where video games and social media become the first point of contact for these crimes. The pandemic and the extra time we spend online have exacerbated this problem.

Bad actors are using voice and text chats within games like Free Fire to lure children and teens. Once they gain their trust, they invite them to leave the game platform and join social media or messaging apps like Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, or Instagram . This is where things get ugly, with them later asking for graphic content or even suggesting hookups.

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: How to protect your WhatsApp account from fraud? A guide to keeping your information safe.

The truth is, in these spaces, criminals can operate more freely, and it's harder for authorities to track them. Plus, they're becoming experts on how kids talk; they use memes, gamer slang, and even buy skins or in-game gifts to appear "cool" and gain their victims' trust. It's like they speak your language!

The study highlights that Roblox and Minecraft are particularly attractive to these criminals because they allow for constant and prolonged interaction. But not only that, they also use Facebook groups or Telegram chats where player lists are shared and access is even sold to contact minors. A well-organized and worrying network!

Even dating apps for minors, live streaming services, and online gaming communities are hotspots where these criminals seek out their victims. In Mexico, the Attorney General's Office ( FGR ) and the National Guard, through its Scientific Division, are working to identify and curb these threats.

It's super important that if you play online, you take these tips into account to stay safe:

Don't share personal information: Never give your full name, address, school, or photos to strangers!

Be careful with your chats: If someone makes you feel uncomfortable or asks you for something strange, block and report them.

Set your privacy: Make sure your game and social media profiles are private.

Talk to a trusted adult: If something worries you or makes you feel bad, talk to your parents, uncles, or someone you trust.

The digital world is amazing for playing and connecting, but it also has its risks. Stay alert and play safe!

GAMERS' GUIDE: HOW TO STAY SAFE ONLINE

Hey, internet geeks! We know that for you, online life is almost as real as offline life. You play, chat, learn, create content... the digital world is your playground! But like anywhere else, there are rules to keep you safe and avoid falling into traps. After the alert about games like Free Fire and Roblox, we want to give you a complete guide to make your online experience 100% cool and safe.

Think of your personal information as the most valuable loot in a game: don't give it away to just anyone!

Basic facts: Never, NEVER, give your full name, home address, school name, phone number, or where you hang out to people you don't know in person. No matter how cool they seem, or if they're offering you something "for free."

Photos and videos: Before posting a photo or video, think: "Would I want my teacher, my parents, or even a future boss to see this?" If you're in doubt, don't post it! Especially not private photos or videos of yourself or someone with scantily clad clothing.

Usernames and emails: Create nicknames and emails that don't give away who you are in real life. For example, "GamerPro2000" is better than "JuanPerezSecundariaX."

Secret Passwords: Your passwords are like the keys to your bank account in the game: only you (and your parents) should know them! Use different passwords for each site, make sure they're long and combine letters, numbers, and symbols. And if you're using a public computer, always log out!

On the internet, people can pretend to be someone they're not. Be careful!

Friend Requests: Be extremely selective about who you add. If you don't actually know them in person, think twice. Many "friends" can be wolves in sheep's clothing.

Meeting people in real life: If someone you met online suggests meeting in person, BE CAREFUL! First, tell your parents. If they give permission, arrange for an adult to accompany you and meet in a public place. Never go alone!

Not everything is true: There are many lies circulating on the internet. Don't believe everything you read or see, especially if it's crazy or too good to be true.

What you say and what others say to you in chats is important.

Awkward Messages: If someone sends you messages that make you feel weird, uncomfortable, scared, or ask for strange things (like photos or videos), don't respond! Block them and tell a trusted adult (parent, teacher, or guardian). They'll help you!

Cyberbullying: If someone is bothering or harassing you online (with mean messages, rumors, etc.), speak up! Report it to the platform and tell an adult. You are not alone!

Evidence: If you're being harassed or asked to do something inappropriate, take screenshots. This "evidence" is very useful for reporting.

Take advantage of the options that the platforms give you to protect yourself.

Private profiles: On Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, etc., always set your profile to private. This way, only your approved friends will be able to see your posts.

Check permissions: When you download an app or game, look at what permissions it asks for (access to your camera, microphone, location, contacts, photos). If it asks for something that doesn't make sense to the app, be suspicious!

Parental Controls: If your parents enable parental controls on your devices, it's to protect you! Talk about them, understand why they're important, and how you can use them together.

Your device is your weapon in cyberspace, keep it ready!

Update everything: Make sure your phone, tablet, console, apps, and games are always up to date. Updates include security patches that protect against new threats.

Antivirus and firewall: If you use a computer, have a good antivirus and make sure the firewall is enabled. They're like shields for your computer.

Be careful with downloads: Before opening email attachments or downloading programs, especially if they come from strangers, ask an adult! They could contain viruses.

The real world is amazing too and balancing your time makes you stronger.

Screen Time: Talk to your parents about the time you spend online. It's good to have time to disconnect and do other things: hang out with friends, play sports, read, spend time with family.

Sleep well: Notifications and screen time before bed can disrupt your sleep. Try to unplug for a while before bed.

Remember, online safety is everyone's responsibility. If something seems strange or makes you feel bad, don't hesitate to ask for help! Your parents, teachers, or any trusted adult is there to support you. Play and surf wisely!