Recognizing key indicators of human trafficking is the first step in identifying victims and can help save a life.
Here are some common indicators to help recognize human trafficking. 
 

• Does the person appear disconnected from family, friends, community organizations, or houses of worship?

• Has a child stopped attending school?

• Does the person avoid making eye contact?

• Has the person had a sudden or dramatic change in behavior?

• Is a juvenile engaged in commercial sex acts?

• Is the person disoriented or confused, or showing signs of mental or physical abuse?

• Does the person have bruises or other injuries in various stages of healing?

• Is the person fearful, timid, or submissive?

• Does the person show signs of having been denied food, water, sleep, or medical care?

• Does the person have branding (tattoos that feature crowns, "daddy" or "daddy's b**ch" or "property of  ...."  or dollar signs? 

• Is the person often in the company of someone to whom he or she defers? Or someone who seems to be in control of the situation, e.g., where they go or who they talk to?

• Does the person appear to be coached on what to say?

• Is the person living in unsuitable conditions?

• Does someone else hold the person's Identification, passport or other documents?

• Does the person appear to be confused about where they are or lacks a sense of time?

• Does the person lack personal possessions and appear not to have a stable living situation?

• Does the person have freedom of movement? Can the person freely leave where they live? Are there unreasonable security measures?
   

      Please note:  Not all indicators listed above are present in every human trafficking situation, and the 
      presence or absence of any of the indicators is not necessarily proof of human trafficking.

Social
 

Does the individual… » Have a “boyfriend,” “girlfriend,” or romantic partner who is noticeably older?
Reference someone in their life being their “sugar daddy/sugar momma,” or refer to themselves as a “sugar baby”?
Engage in unhealthy coping behaviors (i.e., increase in use of drugs or alcohol, etc.)? 
Engage in sexual behavior that puts them at risk of harm or indicate they may be experiencing abuse?
Seem to engage in high-risk behaviors even at the apparent expense of safety and/or consequences?
Seem restricted from contacting family, friends, or his or her legal guardian?
Stop attending or showing interest in activities they normally attend?
Stop showing interest in future plans?
Reference traveling to other cities or towns frequently?
Talk about getting paid very little or not at all for the work they do?
Flaunt large sums of unexplained money/income or boast of an extravagant new lifestyle?
Claim to be completely financially covered and independent at a young age? 
Live with an employer or have an employer listed as their caregiver or emergency contact?
Appear to not have the freedom to quit their "job?"​​​