A child predator chillingly reveals to Tyra Banks how he operates.

Hear what he had to say and learn how you can protect your children from people like him.

We asked safety expert Pattie Fitzgerald of Safely Ever After, Inc., to give us some insight:

"Sex offenders are experts at grooming parents and kids into thinking they're the pillar of the community. In fact, it's what they count on us believing.  It's how they get away with doing what they do, often for years at a time. So, how can we protect our kids? By paying attention to the clues and cues of those adults who interact with them on a regular basis. Talk to your kids daily, ask questions, and most importantly LISTEN to what they have to say."

Red Flags

• Someone who repeatedly tries to arrange one-on-one, alone time with a child.
• Someone who lavishes an extraordinary amount of attention or praise on a particular child.
• Someone who often gives special gifts or treats to one child for no apparent reason.
• Someone who prefers to spend most of their free time with children and seems to have no interest in age-appropriate relationships or friendships with other adults or colleagues.

What To Tell Your Kids:

• No one has the right to touch you in any way that makes you feel uncomfortable.
• Sometimes people may seem nice at first, and later ask you to do something you don't want to do.
• It's okay to say NO, even to an adult who gives you an "uh-oh" feeling.
• It's not your fault if someone tries to touch you inappropriately.
• Tell a parent or another trusted adult if you feel bad.
• If you can't tell your parent, find someone else to help you -- maybe the parent of a close friend. Keep telling until you get help.