PROJECT: THE RED FLAGS CHECKLIST - WARNING SIGNS THAT A CHILD IS ALREADY BEING GROOMED, SEXTORTED, BULLIED, OR MANIPULATED ONLINE (PART 4)
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
PLEASE SHARE THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT.
Specialised Security Services stresses: early recognition saves lives.
If any of these red flags are observed, immediate action is required —
including preservation of evidence, removal of the child from risk, reporting to authorities, and,
where necessary, engagement with private investigative professionals.
1. DIGITAL BEHAVIOUR RED FLAGS:
Sudden secrecy around phone, tablet, or computer.
Password-protecting devices more than usual.
Deleting messages or apps frequently.
Panic when a parent asks to see the device.
Using multiple or fake social media accounts.
Moving conversations to encrypted or disappearing-message apps.
Extreme emotional reactions to device removal.
Obsessive checking of notifications.
New devices or accounts appearing without parental knowledge.
Hiding screens or whispering during online calls.
2. SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT RED FLAGS:
Following a large number of unknown adults.
Receiving gifts, cash, or vouchers from strangers online.
Posting revealing or sexualised images.
Frequent “private story” or disappearing content posts.
Obsessive attention to likes, comments, and followers.
Sudden change in posting style or content type.
Sharing personal or location information publicly.
Accepting friend requests or follows from suspicious accounts.
Engaging with sexualised or adult-only content.
Becoming defensive when questioned about online activity.
3. EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIOURAL RED FLAGS:
Mood swings or sudden anger unrelated to school/friends.
Withdrawn or unusually quiet behaviour.
Increased anxiety or panic attacks.
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns.
Depression, hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts.
Sudden drop in academic performance.
Avoidance of family or friends.
Reluctance to leave home or go to school.
Crying, shame, or embarrassment linked to online activity.
Secretive discussions with peers about “special friends” online.
4. GROOMING AND PREDATOR-RELATED RED FLAGS:
Receiving private messages from unknown adults.
Being asked to keep online activity a secret.
Sudden gifts or money from unknown contacts.
Requests for photos, videos, or personal information.
Pressure to meet someone offline.
Sudden interest in adult topics or sexualised content.
Friendships with people much older than the child.
Frequent late-night online activity.
Emotional dependency on an online contact.
Excitement or anxiety over messages from a particular stranger.
5. SEXTORTION AND BLACKMAIL RED FLAGS:
Threats to expose private messages or images.
Requests to share intimate images or videos.
Receiving threatening messages demanding money or actions.
Anxiety, fear, or withdrawal after receiving messages.
Sudden secrecy about friends, online groups, or chats.
Obsessive deleting of message threads or images.
Confession or hints of online blackmail.
Fear of reporting events to parents or school.
Hiding devices or accounts in unusual ways.
Threats of harm or exposure to family, friends, or school.
SPECIALISED SECURITY SERVICES WARNING:
If even a single red flag is observed, parents and guardians must treat it as serious and urgent.
Immediate steps:
Do not confront or negotiate with the suspected offender.
Do not delete or tamper with evidence.
Preserve all messages, usernames, profiles, images, videos, and dates.
Block the offending contact immediately.
Limit or suspend the child’s social media access temporarily.
Notify the platform, school, and SAPS cybercrime division.
Seek professional investigative support for escalation, if required.
Provide psychological support for the child.
Educate the child about safe behaviour and the dangers of secret online contact.
Contact Mr. Mike Bolhuis of Specialised Security Services and his Specialist Investigators for expert guidance and strategic intervention.
Remember: Every red flag ignored is an opportunity for criminals to exploit a child.
Early recognition, immediate intervention, and professional support save lives, prevent trauma, and protect families.
RELEVANT SSS PROJECTS:
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.
2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:
3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.
4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.
POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv
SSS TASK TEAM:
Copyright © 2015- PRESENT | Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services | All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services
PO Box 15075 Lynn East
Pretoria, Gauteng 0039
South Africa
Add us to your address book
THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT WAS INTENDED TO BE SHARED, PLEASE DO SO.
