Do You Recognize the Warning Signs of Human Trafficking?

Each year, many human trafficking victims are able to escape because neighbors, community members, and regular old people like you saw the warning signs and recognize them.  If you suspect human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline or the police to report it.  The call you make could save a life.

Do you know someone like this? Some common warning signs of human trafficking are:

Behavior Warning Signs

• Someone who seems fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous
• Someone who avoids eye contact
• Someone who shows signs of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
• Someone who has an inconsistent story or appears to be lying

Employment Warning Signs

• Someone who doesn't leave his/her place of employment or only leaves at odd hours
• Someone who's boss "holds" or "invests" his/her money for him/her
• Someone with a boss or manager in prostitution, stripping, or an escort service
• Someone who hasn't been paid, has been paid very little, or is paid only in tips
• Someone who has an very large debt
• Someone who did not understand the terms or conditions of his/her employment when he/she was recruited

Lack of Control

• Someone who doesn't have control of his/her own identification
• Someone who has few or no possessions
• Someone who is not allowed or able to speak for himself/herself or is made to speak through a translator
• Someone who is unsure of where he/she is or lives or has no sense of time

While the presence of one or more of these warning signs does not necessarily mean someone is being enslaved, they are red flags that deserve notice.  Remember: intervening in a human trafficking situation may be very dangerous; call law enforcement.