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      What Is Human Trafficking?
      
                
  
          What Is Human Trafficking?


      
        What Is Human Trafficking?
    
    
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Blue Campaign
  What Is Human Trafficking?

     #BeCyberSmart
                
                    
                    
      Blue Campaign
                
      What Is Human Trafficking?
                
      What is Forced Labor?
                
                    
      
      Identify a Victim
                
                    
      
      Myths and Misconceptions
                
                    
      
      Exploitation and How to Protect Yourself
                
                    
      
      Tools That TeachHow You Can Help
                
                    
      
      Resources
                
                    
      
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      About Blue Campaign
                
                    
      
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      US Coast Guard AuxiliarySubscribe
    
      Subscribe to the Blue Campaign newsletterWhat Is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide – including right here in the United States. It can happen in any community and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. Traffickers might use the following methods to lure victims into trafficking situations:

Violence
	Manipulation
	False promises of well-paying jobs
	Romantic relationshipsLanguage barriers, fear of their traffickers, and/or fear of law enforcement frequently keep victims from seeking help, making human trafficking a hidden crime.

Traffickers look for people who are easy targets for a variety of reasons, including:

Psychological or emotional vulnerability
	Economic hardship
	Lack of a social safety net
	Natural disasters
	Political instabilityThe trauma caused by the traffickers can be so great that many may not identify themselves as victims or ask for help, even in highly public settings.

Many myths and misconceptions exist. Recognizing key indicators of human trafficking is the first step in identifying victims and can help save a life. Not all indicators listed are present in every human trafficking situation, and the presence or absence of any of the indicators is not necessarily proof of human trafficking.

The safety of the public as well as the victim is important. Do not attempt to confront a suspected trafficker directly or alert a victim to any suspicions. It is up to law enforcement to investigate suspected cases of human trafficking.

Visit the links below to learn more about human trafficking and how you can protect yourself and others.
      
      Forced LaborImage
              Forced Labor Icon
                        Identify a VictimImage
              Identify a Victim Icon
                        Myths and MisconceptionsImage
              Myths and Misconceptions Icon
                        Exploitation and How to Protect YourselfImage
              Exploitation and How to Protect Yourself Icon
                        Explotación y Cómo Protegerse A Sí MismoImage
              Exploitation and How to Protect Yourself Icon
                        What is Human Trafficking? InfographicImage
              What is Human Trafficking Infograpghic
                        ¿Qué es la Trata de Personas?Image
              ¿Qué es la Trata de Personas? Icon
  
    
    TopicsHuman TraffickingKeywordsBlue Campaign
              Human Trafficking
To report suspected human trafficking to Federal law enforcement:Image

	1-866-347-2423
	Para reportar un posible caso de trata de personas:Image

	1-866-347-2423
	To get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline:Image

	1-888-373-7888

	or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733)
	Obtenga ayuda de la Línea Directa Nacional de Trata de Personas:Image

	1-888-373-7888

	o enviando un mensaje de texto con HELP o INFO a BeFree (233733)

    Last Updated: 09/22/2022
  
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           What Is Human Trafficking?
      
    
                  How You Can Help
      
    
                  Resources
      
    
                  Training
      
    
                  About Blue Campaign
      
    
                  Special Initiatives
      
    
                  Upcoming Events
                            
        Blue Campaign. One Voice. One Mission. End Human Trafficking.
                                              
                Contact Blue Campaign
                                  Report Suspected Human Trafficking:
                                                    1-866-347-2423
                                                                    Get Help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline:
                                                    1-888-373-7888
      
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