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WARNING
SIGNS
SEX TRAFFICKING
Pay special attention to any person, especially a child, who is…
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Unusually fearful, anxious, or submissive, or showing signs of physical abuse.
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Monitored, controlled, or guarded by someone else at all times, or who is prohibited from interacting with others.
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Unaware of what city they are in or unable to explain the purpose of their stay.
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Not in control of their own money or documents.
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A child in a suspicious circumstance, such as being alone at a hotel.
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
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Has injuries or other signs of abuse and is reluctant to explain them.
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Appears malnourished.
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Branded or marked with a tattoo, such as a man’s name, symbol of money, or a barcode.
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Dressed in a provocative manner or in the same clothes, regardless of weather or circumstance.
POSSESSIONS
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Has very few personal possessions.
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Has an unexplained, sudden increase in money, clothing, or possessions like jewelry without explanation.
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Doesn’t carry identification.
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Has a number of hotel keys or key cards.
BEHAVIOR
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Claims to be an adult, though their appearance suggests adolescence.
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Seems to move frequently from place to place.
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Talks about an older boyfriend or sex with an older man.
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Has inconsistencies in their story.
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Claims to be visiting, and can’t state what city they’re in or for how long.
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Isn’t able to speak for themself.
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Has sexually explicit profiles on social networking sites.
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Is not enrolled in school or is consistently absent.
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Seems to be withdrawn, depressed, or “checked out.”
LACK OF CONTROL
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Accompanied by someone who seems to control their every move.
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Seems scripted in the way they speak.
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Doesn’t have control over their own money.
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Can’t come and go from place to place on their own.
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Not in control of their identification or travel documents
LABOR TRAFFICKING
A victim of labor trafficking may be…
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Not free to leave.
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Not in control of their own identification, money, or communication devices.
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Unpaid, paid very little or paid through tips only.
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Work excessively long or unusual hours.
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Owe a large debt to their employer.
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Recruited through false promises concerning the nature and conditions of the work.
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Lack general knowledge of the area.
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Subject to unusal security measures, such as locks outside of their doors.
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Fearful of authority figures.
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Showing signs of restraint or abuse.
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In possession of few or no personal items.
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Not allowed to speak for themselves.
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Controlled by their employer in a variety of ways, from transportation to food and housing.
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Lacking healthcare or not reporting injuries at work.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
Do you suspect someone may be a victim of human trafficking? Here are some helpful questions to consider, if you have the chance to ask.
WHO ARE YOU?
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Do you have your ID?
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Are you married or do you have children? If so, where are they?
WHO DO YOU WORK FOR?
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Do you know their name?
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Who pays for your tools, vehicles, bed, food?
DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE?
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State, City, building, business?
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Does your family know where you are?
HOW DID YOU GET HERE?
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What type of transportation did you take?
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What vehicle were you transported in?
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Who brought you here?
WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
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Do you live on premises?
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Do you pay rent?
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How long have you lived there?
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How often do you move?
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Do you have a key to your apartment/house?
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Does your employer provide the housing?
ARE YOU LEGALLY ABLE TO WORK HERE?
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How old are you?
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Do you have a professional license?
HOW ARE YOU PAID?
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Do you receive a paycheck that you get to keep?
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Are you paid only through tips?
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YOU LEFT?
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Do you have access to a phone?
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Do you have access to a computer?
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Are you able to receive mail?
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Is there someone who monitors your movements?
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Do you have a key to your home?