FBI Warns San Antonio Parents About Online Networks Targeting Children

Following the sentencing of a San Antonio young man connected to a violent online exploitation network, the FBI is urging parents to have conversations with their children about who they’re interacting with online and to pay attention to warning signs that someone may be manipulating them.

Earlier this month, 19-year-old Alexis Aldair Chavez was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, after pleading guilty to racketeering, possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Federal prosecutors said Chavez was an administrator of an online group known as “8884,” which they describe as part of a broader collection of violent online networks commonly referred to as “764.”

Chavez’s sentencing prompted the FBI to renew its warning about these networks and the ways they target children and teenagers online.

What is “764”?

According to the FBI, “764” is a loose collection of online extremist networks whose members exploit vulnerable people, particularly children between the ages of 10 and 17 years old, for status within their online communities.

Investigators say members often contact children through social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms, or online chat rooms. They may spend days or weeks building trust before encouraging victims to share personal information, explicit images, or participate in increasingly dangerous behavior. That material is then used to threaten or blackmail victims into complying with additional demands.

Court documents cited by the Department of Justice allege that Chavez and other members coerced multiple minors into acts of self-harm, sexual exploitation, and other abusive conduct during online video calls. Prosecutors said the abuse was often recorded and shared within the network.

FBI’s Warning to Parents

Federal officials say this case reflects a growing trend they’ve been tracking across the country.

In May 2026, the FBI’s Dallas Field Office published an open letter to parents, guardians, and teachers warning that networks associated with “764” are actively targeting children across Texas through platforms many families use every day.

“Parents need to know what their children are doing online and must stay engaged, ask difficult questions, and not fall into the trap of believing their child is ‘just playing games’ or ‘just talking with their friends,'” U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons said in the Department of Justice’s announcement of the sentencing.

Investigators are currently pursuing hundreds of cases tied to these violent online networks.

Warning Signs to Watch Out for

According to the FBI, changes in a child’s behavior can sometimes signal that they’re being manipulated online. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to watch for:

• Sudden withdrawal from family or friends.
• Mood changes or unusual irritability.
• Unexplained cuts, burns, bruises, or other injuries.
• Wearing long sleeves or pants to hide injuries, even in hot weather.
• Becoming intensely attached to a new online friend.
• Receiving unexpected gift cards, gaming currency, or packages.
• Talking about self-harm, suicide, or expressing fear of someone they communicate with online.

The FBI has stressed that no single warning sign confirms a child is being targeted, but a pattern of secrecy, sudden behavioral shifts, or unexplained injuries should signal parents to take a closer look. 

The FBI also recommends preserving messages, usernames, photos, and other digital evidence if adults believe a child is being exploited before reporting the activity to law enforcement by calling 911, reporting to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), a local FBI field office, or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

How Parents Can Start the Conversation

Online safety experts recommend making conversations about online safety a regular part of family life instead of waiting until something goes wrong.

Here are a few ways to get started:

• Ask about the child’s online world. Find out which games, apps, and platforms they use and who they enjoy talking to.
• Talk about trust online and explain that people aren’t always who they claim to be and that manipulation often begins with someone acting friendly.
• Create a judgment-free space. Let children know they can tell you if something online makes them uncomfortable without worrying they’ll immediately lose access to their devices.
• Review privacy settings together. Go through apps and games periodically and discuss what information should never be shared publicly.
• Keep checking in. Children’s online habits change quickly. Revisiting these conversations regularly can help them feel comfortable asking for help if something doesn’t seem right.

As federal investigators continue building cases against alleged 764-linked offenders across the country, public awareness is one of the most effective tools available to families.