Friendliness: Abductors target children who are lonely, vulnerable, have low self-esteem and are in need of affection. These children are usually by themselves. The abductor will gain their confidence by befriending the child and giving the child attention.

Authority: Abductors may hold position of authority, such as a teacher or a coach, where they can exert control over children. They may also take on the appearance of officials by wearing uniforms, such as a policeman.

Money: Abductors may offer children candy, video games and other enticing items in exchange for the child agreeing to go somewhere with them. The promise of a high-paying or exciting job will attract older children to accompany an abductor.

Flattery: Abductors may convince children that they are pretty or handsome enough to be a model or actor. They may try to get children to meet with them privately.

Assistance: Abductors may ask for assistance from a child such as requesting help in finding a lost puppy or asking the child to provide directions.

Emergency: Abductors may tell children there is some sort of an emergency and that the child's parents have asked them to pick up the child.

Playful: Abductors may involve themselves in games children are playing in order to seem fun and gain the child's trust. Abductors may already have children with them and use these children to convince other children to join them.

Name Recognition: If a child has his/her name on a jacket, knapsack, book, etc., abductors can call the child by their name, convincing the child they should know and therefore trust them.

Extortion: Abductors may threaten or blackmail a child to force them to comply with anything the abductor tells them to do.