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Geo-location apps may put teens in jeopardy

7:11 PM, Mar 18, 2013   |    comments
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DENVER - Kids inadvertently advertising their exact location through certain smart phone apps may be putting themselves at risk from sexual predators.

Blendr, Grindr, Jack'd, Manhunt are "hookup apps" intended for adults looking other adults. They use geo-tracking devices on users' smartphones to reveal their exact locations.

Sheriff's deputies and prosecutors in Douglas County say they are concerned that teens are faking ages to join in, and parents don't know because the activity is happening on the teen's smart phone.

"Be aware that geo-locator function can be used for something nefarious and evil," District Attorney George Brauchler said.

He says adults using these geo-locator dating apps can seek out underage kids for sex.

"Some child is going to fall victim to something that you will never be able to overcome again," warned Douglas County Undersheriff Tony Spurlock.

Brauchler recommends parents regularly check their teens smart phone to determine what apps they are using and what those apps do.

He says parents need to protect your children from predators should outweigh a teen's desire for privacy.

"You know the minute these apps get deleted, there are going to be 10 more that spring up," Brauchler said. "It has to be about a different approach to parenting."

(KUSA-TV © 2013 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)