Modern Criminals
The article shares the testimony of Sarah Cooper, a survivor of online grooming and trafficking, who came forward to warn others about predators using social media to target minors. NY1
When she was in her mid-teens, she felt lonely and alienated — and began chatting online with someone on social media who pretended to care. That person “posed as a friend,” but in reality was a predator. NY1
Over time, the predator built trust: offering attention, emotional connection, and encouragement. Then, exploiting that trust, they abducted her — and for nearly two weeks she was sex-trafficked. NY1
Sarah says the abuser convinced her to keep their communications secret. She hid conversations from her parents, which she says she deeply regrets. NY1
The article also notes that experts have seen a steep rise in “online enticement” and grooming cases — especially during the pandemic, when many children spent more time online. NY1
Prosecutors describe horrific cases where predators used drugs, alcohol, coercion, secret photos, and force to traffic underage girls (some as young as 13–15). Victims were forced to meet strangers and perform sexual acts; their abusers profited by posting ads for them. NY1
The takeaway: online grooming isn’t rare. Predators are actively using social media, messaging apps, and false identities to lure minors — and any child can be at risk, especially when predators prey on loneliness, vulnerability, or secrecy.
The article shares the testimony of Sarah Cooper, a survivor of online grooming and trafficking, who came forward to warn others about predators using social media to target minors. NY1
When she was in her mid-teens, she felt lonely and alienated — and began chatting online with someone on social media who pretended to care. That person “posed as a friend,” but in reality was a predator. NY1
Over time, the predator built trust: offering attention, emotional connection, and encouragement. Then, exploiting that trust, they abducted her — and for nearly two weeks she was sex-trafficked. NY1
Sarah says the abuser convinced her to keep their communications secret. She hid conversations from her parents, which she says she deeply regrets. NY1
The article also notes that experts have seen a steep rise in “online enticement” and grooming cases — especially during the pandemic, when many children spent more time online. NY1
Prosecutors describe horrific cases where predators used drugs, alcohol, coercion, secret photos, and force to traffic underage girls (some as young as 13–15). Victims were forced to meet strangers and perform sexual acts; their abusers profited by posting ads for them. NY1
The takeaway: online grooming isn’t rare. Predators are actively using social media, messaging apps, and false identities to lure minors — and any child can be at risk, especially when predators prey on loneliness, vulnerability, or secrecy.