Important Safety Reminder
A single warning sign does not prove trafficking. If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Do not confront a suspected trafficker directly or put yourself or the possible victim at greater risk.
Common Warning Signs
Trafficking indicators can appear in behavior, work conditions, relationships, housing, online activity, or the level of control another person has over someone.
Youth & Teen Indicators
- Sudden unexplained gifts, money, phones, clothing, or transportation.
- New older friends, romantic partners, or people who seem controlling.
- Frequent running away, unexplained absences, or staying with unknown people.
- Withdrawal from family, school, friends, or trusted adults.
- Fear, anxiety, secrecy, or sudden major changes in behavior.
Adult Indicators
- Appears fearful, timid, submissive, confused, or unable to speak freely.
- Someone else seems to control where they go, who they talk to, or what they say.
- Lacks control of personal documents, money, phone, or transportation.
- Shows signs of being denied food, sleep, medical care, or safe housing.
- Appears coached, monitored, threatened, or controlled by another person.
Online Warning Signs
Traffickers may use social media, gaming platforms, private messages, fake relationships, fake job opportunities, or promises of money and support to build trust and isolate someone.
Online Safety PreventionSecretive Messaging
Private conversations, hidden accounts, encrypted apps, or pressure to keep communication secret.
Gifts Or Money
Sudden gifts, cash, rides, hotel stays, clothes, or devices from someone the family does not know.
Fast Relationships
A relationship that becomes intense quickly, especially with a large age, power, or financial difference.
Fake Opportunities
Job, modeling, travel, housing, or financial offers that seem too good to be true or lack clear details.
Workplace & Labor Indicators
Labor trafficking may involve threats, restricted movement, debt, document control, unsafe conditions, or being forced to work under abusive circumstances.
Document Control
Someone else holds identification, passports, work papers, or personal documents.
Debt Or Fees
A worker is charged fees, trapped by debt, or told they owe money before they can leave.
Restricted Movement
A person cannot freely leave work, housing, transportation, or a controlled location.
Unsafe Living
Living and working in the same place, overcrowding, poor conditions, or no privacy.
Places Where Signs May Appear
Trafficking can be hidden in everyday environments. The goal is not to accuse, but to recognize concerning patterns and respond safely.
Hotels & Travel
Fearful behavior, lack of control, or someone else handling all communication.
Healthcare Settings
A patient unable to speak privately or appearing coached by another person.
Transportation
Movement controlled by someone else or travel connected to fear and pressure.
Workplaces
Workers afraid to leave, unpaid, threatened, isolated, or living on site.
What Should You Do If You Notice Signs?
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. If you suspect trafficking but there is no immediate emergency, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline or use trusted local resources. Avoid confronting a suspected trafficker directly.
Save This Information
Emergency: 911
Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
Text: HELP to 233733
View Resource PageAwareness Can Interrupt Exploitation
Learning the signs helps families, schools, businesses, and communities respond sooner and safer.