The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is sounding the alarm over a dangerous online network called "764."
Officials this week briefed some lawmakers on 764's growing threat to minors and other vulnerable people.
Victims are typically between the ages of 10 and 17 years old, according to the FBI, but the agency has seen some victims as young as 9 years old.
Members of 764 typically use social media platforms and gaming apps such as Roblox and Minecraft to befriend and groom innocent children.
The young victims face embarrassment, harassment, extortion, or even long-term re-victimization.
The agency said it continues to target those who victimize children across the country.
Earlier this week, a 19-year-old California resident, alleged to be a 764 member, was charged with sexual exploitation of a minor and other offenses. Tony Christoper Long, who was known online as Inactive, Inactivee0, and inactivecvx, victimized minors in Washington state and California.
The specific case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative was launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.
Childlight CEO Paul Stanfield said the problem has grown worse since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The FBI warns parents of red flags that may signal their children have interacted with online perpetrators, including sudden behavior changes such as becoming withdrawn, irritable, or isolated. The agency also said parents should be aware of their children receiving anonymous gifts, such as items delivered to their home or even gaming currency or virtual items.