What really is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is when someone is forced, tricked, or controlled into labor or commercial sex, often through threats, violence, or emotional manipulation. It doesn’t always look obvious—victims can be anyone: your grandchild, the neighbor's kid, or the lady working the front desk. Traffickers may control their victims by taking away their money, ID, or freedom to leave. While many imagine trafficking as someone chained up in a dark basement, it often looks like a person going about their daily life, hiding their fear and abuse behind a forced smile. It's happening closer than we realize—right in our own communities.

What does a person experiencing trafficking look like?

There’s no single look. Trafficking is about control and exploitation, not appearances. Look for situations and behaviors—not clothing or lifestyle.

    • Someone else holds their ID/phone/money or speaks for them

    • Scripted answers, looks to another person before responding

    • Fearful, controlled, or exhausted; avoids eye contact

    • Not free to come and go; monitored or tracked

    • Owes a “debt” they must work off

    • Unsure of where they are staying, or can’t say an address

    • Under 18 involved in any commercial sex (always trafficking)

    • A third party posts ads, arranges rides, or takes profits

    • Frequent hotels/short stays, multiple phones, sudden expensive items

    • Injuries, intimidation, or threats from a “boyfriend/manager”

    • Withheld wages/ID, threats about police/immigration

    • Excessive hours, unsafe housing tied to the job

    • Crowded living with co-workers; restricted movement

    • Forced to lie about age, hours, or job duties

“Important: These are indicators, not proof. Trust your instincts and get guidance—you don’t have to be certain to ask for help.”
— UnSilenced

Signs a minor might be experiencing trafficking:

There isn’t one “type” of victim. Look for control, exploitation, or exchange of sex/work for things of value—not for a specific outfit or attitude.

    • Under 18 involved in any commercial sex (money, rides, gifts, a place to stay)

    • A much older, abusive or controlling partner/person

    • Someone else posts ads, arranges rides, or keeps the money

    • Frequent hotels/short stays, sudden expensive items with no explanation

    • Scripted answers, won’t speak freely, looks to someone before responding

    • Injuries/fearfulness; drastic school changes (absences, dropping activities)

    • Branding-style tattoos or marks tied to another person (when safe to note)

    • Long or dangerous hours; not allowed to stop or rest

    • Wages or documents (ID/SSN) kept by someone else

    • Lives where they work or crowded housing controlled by employer/relative

    • Told to lie about age, hours, or duties; not enrolled/attending school

    • Threats of police, CPS, immigration, or harm to family

Report to the National Human Trafficking Hotline Online

What do I do if I suspect trafficking?

 

  • Get as much information about the possible victim or sketchy situation as you safely can

  • Call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline: 1-888-3737-888 or text INFO or HELP to BEFREE (233733)

  • If you or anyone else is in immediate danger, call 911

Want to be more involved in stopping Human Trafficking in your community? Visit our “Get Involved” page