Notice concerns. Respond with care.

Possible concerns to recognize

• Control: another person restricts someone's movement, communication, access to identification, or earnings.
• Threats: a person describes intimidation, coercive debt, or consequences for leaving work or a relationship.
• Basic needs: someone appears to be denied rest, food, or necessary medical care.
• Communication: someone seems afraid to speak freely or another person consistently answers for them.

These circumstances can have different explanations. No single sign, and no count of signs, proves trafficking. If you are concerned, use an official reporting or support channel rather than trying to investigate.

Source: FBI: Trafficking Indicators

Keep the next step safe

Do not confront a suspected trafficker or alert them to your concerns. For immediate danger in the United States, call 911. For trafficking-related support, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.

Share what you actually observed with the reporting service. Separate observations from assumptions. Avoid publishing accusations, identifying children online, or circulating sensitive images.

Source: DHS Blue Campaign: Transportation Guide, National Human Trafficking Hotline: Get Help

A more useful way to talk about awareness

Replace sensational stories with a reliable source and a clear action. Instead of circulating an unverified warning about a stranger, share where people can learn about exploitation and where they can report a concern.

In a school, workplace, church, or volunteer group, make the reporting route easy to find. A short, readable resource is more useful than a frightening claim with no next step.

Questions, answered.