Exploitative and unsafe working conditions are a major sign of labor trafficking. Traffickers frequently use abusive working conditions as a method of control to force people to work.

Signs in a working conditions can include:

• Verbal or physical abuse from a “supervisor”
• Excessively long or unusual hours
• Appears to be living at their place of work
• Does not receive paychecks or receives unreasonably low pay
• Does not have control of their own passport or other identity documents

Behavioral and appearance-related indicators of human trafficking vary. Many victims may appear to be going about their everyday life while being secretly controlled by a trafficker.

Behavioral signs can include:

• Fearful, anxious, depressed, or submissive
• Lack of eye contact
• Particularly nervous around a certain person
• Will not speak for themselves, unclear or coached responses to the basics (home/work/school)
• Suffers from sleep or eating disorder
• Feels helplessness, shame, and/or guilt
• Unusually hostile, anxious, or withdrawn
• Inconsistent stories: sketchy explanation of relationships

Signs in appearance can include:

• Attire that is brand new or not appropriate for the weather or setting
• Tattooed with the trafficker’s name or symbols
• Signs of abuse such as bruises, scars, burns, or broken bones
• Untreated chronic illnesses or health problems
• Appears malnourished

Young victims of trafficking often display signs that indicate they are being exploited. Because traffickers use psychological control, victims may be unaware they are being exploited and may deny something is wrong.

Signs in young victims can include:

• Unexplained absences or overly tired
• Brags about having money
• New, unexplained expensive gifts
• New tattoos
• Change in style (less appropriately dressed)
• Older dating partner or new friends with different lifestyles

Acquaintances of human trafficking refers to the traffickers, victims, and the networks that enable the crime. Traffickers can be strangers, but in many cases, they are individuals already within the victim’s social circle, which they exploit to gain trust.

Signs in acquaintances can include:

• Significantly older (may be called “boyfriend” or “daddy” by victim)
• Holding victim’s ID and/or belongings
• Exhibits controlling behavior like answering questions for the victim

Possessions can indicate a trafficker’s methods of control, exploitation, and overall involvement in criminal operations, as well as the nature and scope of their activities. These possessions serve as evidence of the crime and the mechanisms used to maintain power over victims.

Signs in possessions can include:

• Large amounts of cash
• Prepaid cards
• Motel or hotel keys
• Sex paraphernalia (condoms, lubricants, lingerie)
• Multiple cell phones

Risk factors can include:

• History of sexual and/or physical abuse
• Homelessness
• Runaway/missing/endangered youth
• History of contact with DCFS/CPS
• History in foster care
• Disabilities or mental illness
• Youth endanger in online relationships with strangers

Prostitution
Anyone under the age of 21 engaged in commercial sex acts are victims of sex trafficking, not prostitutes. Adults involved in prostitution should be screened for force, fraud, or coercion during screening.

Minors under the age of 21 cannot consent to commercial sex acts. They are victims of sex trafficking, not prostitutes.