Back to 'Protect Your Child'
There are some common lures that would-be abductors may use to gain your child’s trust. Note that predators will use variations of these lures depending on the age of your child.
Affection: Abductors target children who are lonely, vulnerable, have low self-esteem, and are in need of affection. These children are usually by themselves. The abductor will gain their confidence by befriending the child and giving the child attention.
Assistance: Abductors may ask for assistance from a child such as requesting help to look for a lost puppy or asking the child to provide directions.
Authority: Abductors may hold positions of authority, such as those of teachers or coaches, where they can exert control over children. They may also take on the appearance of officials by wearing uniforms e.g dressing like a police officer..
Bribery: Abductors may offer children candy, video games and other enticing items in exchange for the child agreeing to go somewhere with them.
Ego/fame: Abductors may convince children that they are pretty or handsome enough to be a model or actor. They may try to get children to meet with them privately.
Emergency: Abductors may tell children there is some sort of an emergency and that the child’s parents have asked them to pick up the child.
Fun and Games: Abductors may involve themselves in games children are playing in order to seem fun and gain their trust.
Heroes: Abductors may dress up in children’s character costumes such as a clown or superhero to attract children to them.
Jobs: The promise of a high-paying or exciting job will attract older children to accompany an abductor.
Name Recognition: If a child has his or her name displayed on a jacket, knapsack, book, etc., abductors can call the child by their name, convincing the child they should know and therefore trust them. Abductors can learn a child’s name if it is displayed on a jacket, knapsack, book, etc., and then use the child’s name to earn trust or convince the child they are a family friend.
Playmates: Abductors may already have children with them and use these children to convince other children to join them.
Threats/Fear: Abductors may threaten or blackmail a child to force them to comply with anything their demands.
In all of these instances it is important that your child understands that no matter how harmless the situation may seem, they should refuse to go anywhere with anyone unless they have received your permission or the person uses the password.
See Street Proofing