Signs/red flags of human trafficking

GENERAL INDICATORS

• Victim resistant to talk to law enforcement unless given permission
• Live on or near work premises
• Restricted or controlled communication or transportation
• Frequently moved
• Large numbers of occupants for living space
• Lack of private space or personal possessions
• Limited knowledge of how to get around in a community

PHYSICAL INDICATORS
• Injuries from beatings or weapons
• Signs of torture
• Brands, tattoos, or scarring indicating ownership
• Signs of malnourishment

FINANCIAL – LEGAL INDICATORS
• Someone else has possession of legal or travel documents
• Lack of financial records
• Existing debt issues
• One attorney claiming to represent multiple illegal aliens detained at different locations
• Third party who insists on interpreting

LABOR CAMP SWEATSHOP INDICATORS
• Security intended to keep victims confined
• Barbed wire or bars on windows
• Self-contained camps
• Bouncers, guards or guard dogs

BROTHEL INDICATORS
• Large amounts of cash
• Customer logbook or receipt book
• Sparse rooms
• Men come and go frequently

COMMERCIAL SEX INVOLVING MINORS INDICATORS
• Minors in unexplained possession of cash or extra cell phones
• Use of terminology such as “a night job”, “do a date”, “the life” or “for daddy”, especially when a minor is involved
• Drugs provided by a third party seemingly for free or in exchange for sexual activity
• Suspicious ads online or social media for escorts, stripping parties, other sexual activity
• Use of code words that may indicate prostitution activity
• Girls attempting to recruit other girls to become involved in suspicious activity with a third party male
• Job opportunity involving modeling or the sex industry
• An unreasonable promise of money or fame from a third party

To report human trafficking or to help victims of human trafficking:

Collier County Sheriff’s Office Human Trafficking Unit  for information, resources, prevention education, or enforcement regarding human trafficking contact 239-252-0060. To report human trafficking after hours contact CCSO at 239-252-9300 and if a crime is in progress or you have an emergency, call 911.

If you wish to make an anonymous tip regarding human trafficking call 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).