Predator Hunters Raise Alarm About Online Dangers for Kids

As kids head back to school, a Michigan group warns parents about online predators using games and apps to target children.

SAGINAW, Michigan - As children head back to school, online safety is once again front and center. Many parents may not realize just how easy it is for predators to reach kids through apps, video games and social media.

One Michigan group, Maximum Exposure, has been confronting those dangers head-on since 2018. The group, led by a man named Kyle, sets up fake online profiles posing as children. When predators make contact, Kyle arranges meetings and confronts them on camera. The videos are then shared online, exposing the individuals and sometimes leading to criminal charges.

“We’ve been going strong since 2018,” Kyle said in an interview. “And yes, the perverts are still out there. They never stop. Especially now that school is starting back up.”

Kyle said predators know when kids are home alone or heading back from school. He’s seen adults offer to pick children up directly from the classroom or bus stop. “It happens more than people think,” he said.

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Predators Use Everyday Apps

According to Kyle, predators often use mainstream apps and games, including Roblox, Snapchat, TikTok and Facebook.

“Any game or app that lets you message people is a target,” he said. Adults pretend to be teenagers and start conversations. In some cases, children agree to meet in person, believing they are meeting a peer.

“They could say, ‘I’m 16,’ and you’d have no idea,” Kyle explained. “We’ve had cases here in Michigan where a kid thought they were meeting a 16-year-old friend, but it turned out to be a grown man.”

These predators use classic manipulation tactics. “One of the first things they’ll say is, ‘You’re too young, but we can still be friends,’” Kyle said. “Right away, they start grooming the child.”

They also look for signs of vulnerability. “They’ll ask, ‘Do you live with just your mom? Is your dad around?’” Kyle said. “If a child says they’re often home alone, that’s exactly what these guys want to hear.”

Hidden Dangers

The threats go beyond simple messages. Kyle said predators sometimes send disguised links that appear harmless but reveal personal information.

“If a kid clicks a fake YouTube link, the predator can pull their IP address,” he said. “Some can even turn on the camera and see who is on the other side.”

That happened to Kyle early in his work. “A guy sent me a link, I clicked it, and he could see me through my camera,” he said. “That was in 2018. Imagine what they can do now in 2025.”

Parents Urged to Take Action

Kyle encourages parents to use parental-control apps like Bark to monitor what their kids do online. Some platforms, such as Roblox, allow parents to disable messaging features.

“But kids are smart,” Kyle warned. “They can turn those settings back on. Parents need to talk to their kids and let them know why they’re checking the devices.”

Simply taking away a phone or gaming console isn’t enough, he said. “Explain that the person who looks like a 13-year-old friend online could actually be a 50-year-old man sitting in his house.”

Kyle said conversations at home are key. “If parents don’t talk about this, kids may never know the dangers exist,” he said. “You don’t want it to be too late.”

Working With Law Enforcement

At first, many police agencies were skeptical of vigilante groups like Maximum Exposure. Some departments saw the work as reckless. Over time, however, things have changed.

“The more we’ve done this, the more some departments have come to trust us,” Kyle said. “Now they know our evidence is solid. We’ve even had convictions.”

Just last week, one of Kyle’s cases resulted in a predator being sentenced to prison. “It’s been trial and error, learning what the courts will accept,” he said. “But it’s working. These guys are going to jail.”

The Toll on Predators

For the men who are caught, the consequences are devastating. “They lose their jobs, their marriages end, they lose custody of their kids,” Kyle said. “Many get shunned from their communities.”

He believes some continue their behavior out of a desire for power and control. “It’s not always just about sex,” Kyle explained. “It’s about control. They’re manipulative, and they know how to play on a child’s emotions.”

The Role of Social Media Companies

Groups like Maximum Exposure face another challenge. Some platforms, including Roblox, have moved to ban vigilante accounts. Kyle says that sends the wrong message.

“When platforms ban us, it tells predators nobody’s watching,” he said. “That makes it open season for them.”

Still, Kyle continues his work with only a small support team. He poses as the decoy in every case, while a few partners provide backup during confrontations.

“The videos never go away,” he said. “If you’re caught, people can find it online forever. Google someone we’ve exposed, and our page will show up.”

A Message to Parents and Kids

Kyle’s top advice for children is simple: tell your parents if something feels off. “If someone is messaging you and it doesn’t feel right, don’t hide it,” he said. “Let your parents know.”

And for parents? “Believe your kids,” Kyle said. “A lot of times, kids aren’t believed. That can be the difference between safety and tragedy.”

As school starts up across Michigan and the nation, Kyle hopes families stay alert. “These predators aren’t going away,” he said. “But if parents get involved, talk to their kids, and use the tools available, we can stop them before it’s too late.”