In today’s episode, we dive deep into a serious and difficult subject—exposing internet predators. Our guest is Christopher Duff, a former High-Tech Crime Special Agent who spent years posing online as underage children to catch predators in the act. This episode contains content that may be disturbing for some listeners, especially parents, but it’s a conversation that needs to be had.
Getting Started in High-Tech Crime
Darren Jamieson: Chris, thank you so much for joining me today. This is a topic that’s disturbing, but incredibly important. You’ve had quite the journey, from working in law enforcement to training others to detect and stop internet predators. What first got you into this line of work?
Christopher Duff: Thanks, Darren. My career began when I volunteered as a reserve uniform patrol deputy. I was newly married and we had a baby on the way. Eventually, I met someone who was building one of the first high-tech crime units in the country, and he asked me to help. That’s where it all started. My first night posing online as a 13-year-old girl, I had predators contacting me within 30 minutes. It was a life-changing moment.
The Reality of Online Predators
Darren: That’s horrifying—and immediate. How prepared were you for what you encountered?
Christopher: I had the training, but mentally? Nothing can prepare you. The things you see, the things people send—it changes you. These predators are out there every day, and they target children who are just trying to be kids.
Darren: What kinds of platforms were you using back then?
Christopher: Back in the early 2000s, we used chat rooms and a variety of platforms depending on what was popular at the time—MySpace, AIM, gaming platforms. Anywhere a child could be, we were there undercover.
Raising Awareness Among Youth
Darren: And how did the kids respond to your outreach efforts?
Christopher: Surprisingly well. When I gave talks at schools, I expected them to brush it off. But their eyes were wide, they were engaged. Afterwards, many would line up to talk. It showed me how desperate they were for someone to talk to about these things. They don’t always have that outlet.
Working with Limited Resources
Darren: What was the size of the unit you worked in?
Christopher: Just about eight people for the whole state—Louisiana. Half were forensic experts, the rest were investigators. It was a constant uphill battle because of limited funding.
Darren: Can you talk about the types of people you arrested?
Christopher: All walks of life—teachers, ministers, law enforcement, parents. Predators aren’t just creepy men in trench coats. They can be anyone. And yes, many had previous offenses or were actively abusing children.
Challenges in Prosecution and Prevention
Darren: Was there ever a time when someone you knew was dangerous got away?
Christopher: All the time. Sometimes, we’d have someone pop up, flash something explicit, and disappear before we could identify them. I took those cases personally.
Darren: How do you ensure you’re not entrapping someone who’s not truly a predator?
Christopher: Great question. I never initiated anything sexual. I acted as a normal 13-year-old. I didn’t talk sexually. If they persisted—even after I tried to push them away—that’s when I moved forward. We don’t want to arrest someone who made a mistake; we want the true predators.
Darren: Was there legislation to support your work?
Christopher: Not initially. We had to help draft legislation to criminalize online solicitation of minors. It was groundbreaking, but overdue.
The Toll on Mental Health
Darren: It must have taken a toll mentally. How did you cope?
Christopher: You don’t, really. The FBI has a two-year limit on working these cases because it’s so psychologically damaging. It sticks with you—some form of PTSD.
Educating the Public and Law Enforcement
Darren: And now you do public speaking and training?
Christopher: Yes, I founded a nonprofit called Innocent Eyes. I educate law enforcement, schools, and parents. Most don’t realize what their kids are facing. I show them real-life tactics predators use, like fake profiles of the opposite sex to gain trust.
Technology, AI, and the Future of Predation
Darren: So, where do you think this is going, with advances in technology?
Christopher: AI terrifies me. Predators can now create realistic fake profiles, even videos, to manipulate kids. Soon, it’ll be impossible to tell what’s real.
Advice for Parents
Darren: What can parents do today?
Christopher: Start with parental controls. Don’t let your child download apps without your permission. No phones in bedrooms overnight. Teach them critical thinking. If someone claims to be a peer, verify it. Be the parent who talks to their kid, who checks in.
Darren: Any final thoughts?
Christopher: Evil is real. I’ve seen it. But parents can be the first line of defense. Don’t bury your head in the sand. Educate yourself, talk to your kids, and stay vigilant.
Conclusion
Thank you for listening to this special and deeply important episode of The Engaging Marketeer. Christopher Duff’s work is a reminder that while the internet offers many opportunities, it also harbors dangers—especially for children. If you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, I urge you to take what you’ve heard today seriously. Have the tough conversations, set boundaries, and never assume it can’t happen in your home. Until next time, stay informed and stay safe.
About Christopher:
Christopher is a retired High-Tech Crime Special Agent who would previously pose as underage children online to try and catch internet predators, in an attempt to protect any underage children from falling into the trap of these suspects.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adversity-institute/
Website: https://www.adversity.institute/
About your host:
Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/
Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com
Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk
