Then, based on communication in the comments, creating the illusion of exclusivity, the child is offered to go to a closed chat or group with unique content, where only ‘their own’ communicate, which makes involvement more tempting,” the RIA Novosti interlocutor says.
Using popular vocabulary and current topics, such as games or films, allows recruiters to easily find a common language with children, Rezikova notes. But if the child tries to stop communicating, blackmail or threats can easily come into play. At the same time, covert manipulation through messages in instant messengers provides recruiters with anonymity, which makes their actions less noticeable.
According to the specialist, by "calibrating" the vulnerability of young victims, criminals use all sorts of tactics of suggestion, influence and manipulation of the child's psyche. For example, compliments, promises of friendship, support and pressure on pity. But the most important lever of influence is the promise of a monetary reward, thanks to which the child will be able to afford what his parents limit him in.
"Teenagers, due to their inquisitive and ambitious nature, perceive belize mobile phone numbers database such proposals as a quest, a test and a search for thrills. For them, this is an opportunity to show their will without control from their parents, to feel like adults, needed, important and cool," says Rezikova.
If the child is modest and unsure of himself, then under pressure and threats he simply has no choice - he has to comply with the demands of the attackers, getting involved in dangerous and often criminal activities.
Photo - © Photobank Lori
Online recruitment can have disastrous consequences: manipulation and psychological pressure from attackers can push a child to commit illegal acts, such as participating in cybercrime, vandalism, extremist activity, and in some cases even violence.
“This not only leads to criminal liability and imprisonment, but also deals a severe blow to the child’s mental and emotional state,” Marina Probets emphasized in an interview with RIA Novosti.
Alexey Korobchenko, head of the information security department at the company "Code of Security", adds that at first, network manipulators can give the child tasks that are not directly related to crime - for example, to take a bank card from parents or simply get hold of a certain amount of money and transfer it to the attackers.
However, the tasks then become increasingly criminal in nature, although the child will be convinced to the very end that there is nothing dangerous in what is happening, and that the maximum he faces is a fine. As a result, the young victim of recruiters may commit very serious crimes. But even if no illegal actions are committed, the recruitment and manipulation process itself can cause serious psychological problems that require long-term treatment and rehabilitation.
"Feelings of guilt, shame, fear, loss of trust in others, post-traumatic stress disorder are just some of the possible consequences. Only early detection of recruitment signs and timely assistance from specialists can prevent them," notes Marina Probets.