Warning Signs of Sex Trafficking

Know the Warning Signs of Sex Trafficking and Save a Life

Identifying a victim of sex trafficking can be difficult because in many cases, victims don't actually recognize the trafficker as a predator. Far too often, we hear people say, "Human trafficking doesn't happen here in America" or "That only happens in big cities." Unfortunately, that's simply not the case. 

North Carolina is among the Top 10 states in the nation for human trafficking, largely due to our major highways running to and from major crime hubs. There are several warning signs that can be indicators of human trafficking. By knowing these signs, you could help identify a victim and ultimately, save a life.

COMMON WARNING SIGNS: 

• Not free to come and go or is always accompanied by someone else
• Involved in the commercial sex industry with a "manager"
• Under the age of 18 and involved in the commercial sex industry
• Unpaid, paid very little, or paid only through tips
• Works long or unusual hours
• Carried a prepaid cell phone
• Changes phone numbers frequently
• Is not allowed to take breaks or has unusual work restrictions
• Owes a large debt and is unable to pay it off
• Was recruited with false promises about the nature of the job
• Lives under high security measures (bars or boards on windows, security cameras, excessive locks, etc.)
• Fearful, anxious, depressed, tense, or paranoid behavior
• Becomes unusually ancious or fearful at the mention of law enforcement
• Does not make eye contact
• Lacks proper healthcare
• Appears malnourished or shows physical signs of abuse, restraint, or torture
• Owns few or no personal possessions
• Has no control over personal money or has no independent access to bank accounts or financial record
• Does not have access to ID without getting it from someone else
• Does not speak independently or relies on a third party to be present to speak on his/her behalf
• Claims to be "just visiting" and has no permanent address
• Doesn't seem to know what city he/she is in
• Shows uncertainty about the time or date
• Numerous inconsistencies in his/her story

Warning Signs Specific to Children or Teens:

• Chronic history of running away or homelessness
• Excessive cash on hand
• Carrying hotel keys or key cards
• Lying about age or carrying multiple ID's
• Unable or unwilling to give information about parents/guardians
• Shows fear of another person (oftentimes a boyfriend or older man)
• Reports a high number of sexual partners
• Unexplained injuries
• Quiet demeanor, refusing eye contact, excessively submissive
• Does not consider self a victim
• Shows loyalty towards pimp/trafficker despite abuse
• May try to protect pimp/trafficker from authorities
• Carries a prepaid cell phone
• Frequently changes cell phone numbers

If you believe that you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to BeFree (233733).