Human Trafficking Awareness

Indicators of human trafficking

Red flags to look for:

Lack of knowledge of their community or whereabouts
Restricted or controlled communication - not allowed to speak for self
Not in control of own identification documents
Any acknowledgement that they have a pimp and are making a quota
Signs of branding or tattooing of trafficker's name (often on the neck).

Questions to ask:

Do you keep your own money? If not, who does?
Do your relatives know where you are? Why not?
When was the last time you saw your family?
Are you physically or sexually abused?
Are you or your family threatened?
What is the nature of the threats?

If you believe you are a victim of human trafficking or may have information about a potential trafficking situation, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.

The following is a list of potential red flags and indicators of human trafficking to help you recognize the signs. If you see any of these red flags, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 for specialized victim services referrals or to report the situation.

The presence of these red flags is an indication that further assessment may be necessary to identify a potential human trafficking situation. This list is not exhaustive and represents only a selection of possible indicators. Also, the red flags in this list may not be present in all trafficking cases and are not cumulative. Indicators reference conditions a potential victim might exhibit.

Common work and living conditions

Is not free to leave or come and go as they wish
Is in the commercial sex industry and has a pimp/manager
Is unpaid, paid very little or paid only through tips
Works excessively long and/or unusual hours
Is not allowed breaks or suffers under unusual restrictions at work
Owes a large debt and is unable to pay it off
Was recruited through false promises concerning the nature and conditions of their work
High security measures exist in the work and/or living locations (e.g. opaque windows, boarded up windows, bars on windows, barbed wire, security cameras, etc.)

Poor mental health or abnormal behavior

Is fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, nervous or paranoid
Exhibits unusually fearful or anxious behavior after bringing up law enforcement
Avoids eye contact

Poor physical health

Lack medical care and/or is denied medical services by employer
Appears malnourished or shows signs of repeated exposure to harmful chemicals
Shows signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement or torture

Lack of control

Has few or no personal possessions
Is not in control of their own money, no financial records, or bank account
Is not in control of their own identification documents
Is not allowed or able to speak for themselves (a third party may insist on being present and/or translating)

Other

Claims of just visiting and inability to clarify where they are staying/address
Lack of knowledge of whereabouts
Loss of sense of time
Has numerous inconsistencies in their story