Kingston Police Caution Parents of Emerging Online Threat Targeting Youth

October 15, 2026

Kingston Police is raising awareness of an emerging online threat involving groups known as "The Com" ("The Community"), which target children and youth through gaming, social media, and messaging platforms. These groups have been linked to online exploitation, coercion, extortion, and other criminal activity affecting young people.

Offenders often use manipulation and deception to gain the trust of youth before introducing harmful requests or using threats to maintain control. Criminal activities associated with these groups can include grooming, sextortion, swatting, online harassment, and other forms of exploitation.  Offenders may connect with young people through platforms such as Discord, Telegram, Snapchat, Roblox, Minecraft, Twitch, Steam, and other online spaces that allow private communication.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to stay involved in their children's online activities and watch for warning signs such as increased secrecy around devices, sudden mood or behaviour changes, declining school performance, or unusual attachment to online contacts.  

Regular conversations about online safety, understanding the platforms children use, and maintaining open communication can help reduce risks. If suspicious online activity is discovered, parents should preserve any evidence, including screenshots, messages, usernames, or links, and report concerns to police.

Anyone who believes a child may be at risk or has information about online exploitation is encouraged to contact Kingston Police at 613-549-4660 ext. 0.