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| Urgent Online Safety Warning: “764” Network Targeting Youth in West Shore |
Urgent Online Safety Warning: “764” Network Targeting Youth in West Shore
There is an active investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) into three reported incidents involving a violent online group targeting children and youth in the West Shore area.
The group, known as “764,” is reportedly linked to a larger online network referred to as “The COM.” These groups are believed to target vulnerable youth through online platforms and may use manipulation, coercion, and harmful psychological pressure to exploit them.
This type of activity can take place across social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms, and private chat spaces, often beginning in subtle ways before escalating into more serious harm.
Why this matters
Online exploitation is not always visible. It can happen gradually, through trust-building, isolation, secrecy, and emotional control.
Many young people do not realize they are being targeted until they are already deeply involved.
This is why awareness, conversation, and early intervention are critical.
Warning signs to be aware of
While every situation is different, possible indicators may include:
- Sudden secrecy around phones or online activity
- Withdrawal from family or long-term friends
- Emotional instability after being online
- New online “friends” they won’t explain
- Fear of losing access to devices or accounts
- Changes in sleep patterns or increased isolation
If you are concerned
If you believe a child or youth is being targeted or exploited online:
- Contact your local police immediately
- Do not engage with or confront suspected individuals online
- Save evidence if it is safe (screenshots, usernames, messages)
- Seek support from trusted community or professional services
More information from RCMP:
Helplines & Support (Canada)
If you or someone you know needs support:
-
Kids Help Phone
24/7 support for youth
Call: 1-800-668-6868
Text: CONNECT to 686868
Chat: -
Cybertip.ca (Canadian Centre for Child Protection)
National tip line for online exploitation and abuse
Report online: -
In emergencies: Call 911 or your local police immediately
Reflective questions (for readers)
These are not easy questions—but they matter.
- How confident am I that I would recognize online grooming if it started slowly?
- Do young people in my life feel safe telling me about uncomfortable online interactions? Why or why not?
- At what point do we intervene—when something is “proven harmful,” or when something just “feels off”?
- Are we giving children enough real-world tools to understand manipulation online, not just “don’t talk to strangers”?
- What systems fail when a child becomes isolated online but still appears “fine” in daily life?
- How do we balance privacy with protection without pushing youth further into secrecy?
- If a warning sign appeared today, would I know what step to take next?
- What responsibility do schools, platforms, and governments each carry—and where are the gaps?
Hard question:
- If harm is happening in a digital space we cannot fully see, how do we respond without waiting for proof that may come too late?
#OnlineSafety #ProtectOurKids #CyberSafety #RCMP #WestShoreBC #ChildProtection #InternetSafety #StopOnlineExploitation #YouthSafety #DigitalAwareness #KidsHelpPhone #CyberTip #CommunityAwareness #SaferInternet #ProtectYouthOnline
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