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A warning for parents, as the long-awaited video game "Halo 3" is released. Online gaming is one more way sexual predators are targeting children.

Video game makers are increasingly advertising online gaming as a way of challenging the consumer. The companies that create these games sometimes have people monitoring online activity, but with millions of players worldwide, they can't keep up. That's why law enforcement officials say, its all up to parents.

If you thought the biggest problem with video games was the violence on-screen, think again. Officials in Oregon are investigating a convicted sex offender suspected of targeting an El Paso County teen.

Mark Pfoff is a Computer Crimes Detective with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. He said, "It all started in online gaming when she was approximately 13 to 14 years old."

As it so often does, the alleged relationship grew over a period of years, from instant messaging to explicit conversations. "At one point he sent her a webcam so that she could use that webcam to send him inappropriate pictures," said Pfoff.

Its not just games rated "M" for mature. "Each predator has the type of children that they're targeting," said Pfoff.

And that determines what kind of online games they're playing.

"Right now out on the internet there are games for 5 to 7 year old children that are encouraging them to chat."

Pfoff says every parent should take action if your child displays the biggest warning sign, spending hours online, to the point of obsession.

"You should be very concerned because odds are its not so they can do their homework," he said.

Pfoff says he believes this is an underreported problem, because parents often don't realize its happening. He says parents should make sure their kids understand the rules, and teach them that stranger danger applies to the internet. Also, keep computers in common rooms so children don't have unsupervised access. Finally, if you think there is a problem, report it to law enforcement immediately.