National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. It’s a key time for us all to educate ourselves about human trafficking and, crucially, to learn to spot the signs of trafficking. It is also a time for us take these messages to our workplaces, our schools, our representatives and everywhere else.
Human Trafficking: What You Should Know
Human trafficking is one of the world’s most devastating and hidden crimes. Often referred to as modern-day slavery, it involves the use of force, fraud or coercion to exploit people for labor or sex. And yes, it happens not just overseas but in neighborhoods across the United States — in cities, suburbs and rural communities alike.
What Does Human Trafficking Look Like?
Trafficking victims are often lured with false promises: a good-paying job, education, stability or even love. Once under control, they’re forced to work under terrible conditions or engage in commercial sex acts, often with little or no pay.
Trafficking doesn’t always look like it does in the movies — there may be no chains or locked rooms. It can happen in restaurants, nail salons, farms, hotels, construction sites or even in private homes. And sadly, it affects millions of men, women and children each year.
Signs Someone Might Be a Victim
You don’t have to be a professional to spot red flags. Being aware of unusual or suspicious behavior can help save someone’s life. Here are some warning signs to look for:
- Someone appears fearful, anxious or submissive — especially around another person.
- They avoid eye contact, seem to be following someone else's lead or don’t speak for themselves.
- They show signs of physical abuse or malnourishment.
- They have few personal belongings or aren’t allowed to carry their own ID.
- A person is constantly accompanied by someone who seems controlling.
- They say they’re “just visiting” but can’t explain where they’re staying or for how long.
Red Flags in Everyday Life
Trafficking hides in plain sight. Here are some everyday places and situations where you might spot something unusual:
- Hotels and Motels – Watch for frequent guests with little luggage, multiple people coming and going from one room or guests who avoid speaking or appear scared.
- Restaurants or Nail Salons – Do workers seem exhausted, overly nervous or like they’re being watched? Are they working long hours without breaks?
- Airports or Public Transit – Is someone being coached on what to say? Are they unsure of where they’re going?
- Online Activity – If you’re browsing listings or dating apps and see odd or aggressive ads, those could be tied to trafficking. Also, check if a phone number shows up on escort service sites — this could be a clue.
What Financial Institutions Can Do
Financial institutions don’t need to investigate crimes—but they are uniquely positioned to identify activity that doesn’t align with a client’s profile or stated business purpose. When something appears unusual, timely action matters.
If you suspect human trafficking or related financial activity:
-
Follow your institution’s established escalation and reporting procedures and file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs with FinCEN) when appropriate.
-
For immediate concerns involving potential harm, contact local law enforcement or emergency services.
-
Share the National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888 or text BEFREE to 233733) internally so staff know where to direct concerns beyond financial reporting.
Financial institutions can also:
-
Equip employees with regular training to recognize trafficking-related financial red flags.
-
Encourage a culture of awareness, documentation and escalation without fear of retaliation.
-
Consider displaying hotline information in customer-facing or employee-only areas where appropriate.
Knowledge Is Power
Want to learn more? The Anti-Human Trafficking Intelligence Initiative has an excellent resource guide on spotting the signs of trafficking — including tips on behavioral red flags and online scams. Also, Hope for Justice investigates cases of human trafficking and works closely with law enforcement to rescue victims and ensure evidence is gathered against perpetrators to see them brought to justice.
Tackling an issue as big as modern slavery can feel overwhelming, but taking the simple step to stay informed can help change lives and end slavery. Together, we can help more of those who are trapped and alone.
|
|
Watch our Did You Know video for actionable tips to spot red flags, enhance internal protocols and take a stand against human trafficking. To continue supporting your institution’s role in the fight against human trafficking, we encourage you to explore our Human Trafficking Prevention toolkit. It’s filled with ready-to-use resources including social media posts, newsletter content and ad materials designed to help you share this important message with your staff, clients and community. |