Trafficking Signs

Possible Indicators of Trafficking

Sex

Labor

1. Being paid little or not at all, or employer not honoring promised wages, withholding pay or deductions unexplained
2. Owing a debt to employer or recruiter that must be “worked off” under coercive terms
3. Loss of control over identity documents held by someone else
4. Working under extremely long hours, excessive overtime, always “on call”
5. Living in or near the workplace under poor conditions
6. Isolation from others / restricted contact with the outside world
7. Threats, intimidation, withholding food or basic necessities, or other coercive control tactics
8. Substandard or hazardous working conditions without protective gear or safety measures
9. Little or no ability to negotiate employment conditions, or fear of retaliation for asking questions

1. Appears overly fearful, submissive, tense, or paranoid, especially around a companion or “manager”
2. Defers to another person to speak, or the companion insists on answering questions for them
3. Branding, tattoos, or markings
4. Clothing that is inappropriately sexual for weather or context, or wardrobe controlled by someone else
5. Lives where they work or is not free to leave
6. Multiple phones, frequent use of burner phones, changing contact numbers often
7. Signs of physical abuse, neglect, sexually transmitted infections, repeated pregnancies, genital trauma
8. Unexpected or unexplained wealth without clear income source
9. Minor engaged in commercial sex acts or coerced into sexual behavior
10. Frequent travel to other cities for sexual services, or escort-advertisement activity online

Human Trafficking Prevention and Enforcement Initiative