Human trafficking is a serious issue for kids and teens regardless of their background, family circumstances, or where they live. But whether you’re an adult or a young person, there are things you can do to help protect yourself and others from becoming a victim of trafficking.
- Learn the signs of human trafficking including how to protect yourself online.
- Learn how to report suspected instances of this crime
- Get help and find support services through National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Blue Campaign.
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NCMEC: Cyber Tipline
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NCMEC: What is Sextortion?
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NCMEC: Is Your Explicit Content Out There?
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NCMEC: Take it Down (remove explicit photos)
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Blue Campaign: Mia's Story
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Blue Campaign: Carter's Story
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Blue Campaign: Understanding Youth Exploitation
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Blue Campaign: Youth Professional and Caretaker Training
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What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking happens when someone uses force, fraud, or coercion to make another person perform some type of labor or commercial sex act. Under U.S. law, causing someone under the age of 18 to engage in a commercial sex act is considered human trafficking even if it doesn’t involve force, fraud, or coercion. Human traffickers use a variety of tactics to control and exploit their victims including:
- False promises of love or a better life
- Fraudulent employment or opportunities to earn money
- Psychological manipulation and coercion
- Violence or threats of violence.
Being aware of how traffickers communicate with and manipulate young people can help you protect yourself both online and in real life.
About Blue Campaign and NCMEC
Blue Campaign is a national public awareness campaign designed to educate the public, law enforcement, and industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking and respond appropriately. Learn more about how you can help.
NCMEC works with families, victims, private industry, law enforcement, and the public to assist with preventing child abductions, recovering missing children, and providing services to deter and combat child sexual exploitation. To report information about a missing or exploited child call the 24-Hour Call Center: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)
To report suspected human trafficking to federal law enforcement, call 1-866-347-2423. If you are a victim of trafficking and need help, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH) at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733).
Important: Do not attempt to confront a suspected trafficker directly or alert a potential victim to your suspicions. Your safety as well as the victim's safety is paramount. Instead, please contact local law enforcement (9-1-1) directly or call the tip lines.
