Red Flags and Reporting: What to Do If You Suspect Trafficking
Steps to Hope’s step-by-step guide to recognizing indicators and reporting safely
Human trafficking often hides in plain sight—behind ordinary storefronts, social media profiles, roadside hotels, private homes, or workplaces. It can involve force, fraud, or coercion used to compel someone into labor or commercial sex. The most important thing to remember is this: you don’t need “proof” to report a concern. If something feels off, it’s okay to reach out for help.
At Steps to Hope, we believe awareness plus safe action can save lives. This guide walks you through common red flags, what to do (and not do), and how to report concerns in a way that prioritizes everyone’s safety—especially the potential victim.
Step 1: Know what trafficking can look like
Trafficking doesn’t always match the stereotypes. People experiencing trafficking may not ask for help directly. They may appear “fine” on the surface, or they may defend the person controlling them out of fear, manipulation, or survival.
Trafficking can include:
Labor trafficking (forced work in agriculture, restaurants, factories, domestic work, construction, traveling sales crews, etc.)
Sex trafficking (commercial sex compelled by force, fraud, or coercion; and any commercial sex involving a minor)
At Steps to Hope, we encourage you to look for patterns rather than a single sign.
Step 2: Recognize red flags—indicators that deserve attention
A “red flag” doesn’t automatically confirm trafficking, but multiple indicators together should raise concern.
Behavioral and safety indicators
Person seems fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, or unusually “checked out”
Avoids eye contact, won’t speak for themselves, or looks to someone else for permission
Appears coached on what to say, gives scripted answers
Shows signs of physical abuse, untreated injuries, or frequent “accidents”
Has restricted communication (no phone, controlled phone, monitored messages)
Control and freedom indicators
Someone else holds their ID, passport, or money
Person can’t leave work or living situation freely, or doesn’t know where they are
Lives where they work, is transported in groups, or is always accompanied by a “supervisor”
Works excessive hours with little sleep, inconsistent pay, or large “debts” they must repay
Situational indicators (in public or business settings)
A third party insists on speaking for them or won’t allow private conversation
Frequent movement between hotels, residences, or job sites
Evidence of surveillance/security preventing people from coming and going
Signs of minors involved with older “partners,” or a minor being controlled by an adult
Important: Some indicators overlap with domestic violence, exploitation, or unsafe working conditions. Either way, it’s still worth reporting—and letting trained professionals assess the situation.
Step 3: Prioritize safety—what NOT to do
When you suspect trafficking, your instincts may push you to intervene directly. But trafficking situations can be dangerous and unpredictable.
At Steps to Hope, we strongly recommend you do not:
Confront the suspected trafficker or “manager”
Attempt a rescue yourself
Publicly accuse someone or post identifying info online
Put the potential victim on the spot with direct questions in front of others
Your goal is to avoid escalating risk for the person being harmed.
Step 4: If you can do so safely, observe and document details
You don’t need to investigate—just note what you can, without drawing attention. Useful details might include:
Location (address, business name, room number if applicable)
Date/time and what you observed (brief, factual notes)
Descriptions of vehicles (make/model/color, license plate)
Descriptions of people involved (approximate age, clothing, identifying features)
Any online listings or usernames (if relevant)
If you’re in immediate danger or witnessing violence, skip all of this and go to Step 5.
Step 5: Report immediately if there is urgent danger
If someone is in immediate danger or you suspect a violent crime is occurring, call 911 right away. (This is also recommended by the National Human Trafficking Hotline.)
When speaking to dispatchers:
Share the specific safety concern (e.g., “I’m worried someone is being controlled and can’t leave,” “I heard threats,” “I saw a minor being taken into a room,” etc.)
Provide the location and any time-sensitive details (vehicle leaving, room number, etc.)
Step 6: Use specialized trafficking hotlines for tips, support, and guidance
Even if it’s not an emergency, you can report concerns and get guidance through trained advocates.
National Human Trafficking Hotline (U.S.)
Call: 1-888-373-7888 (24/7)
Text: 233733
Live chat: available through their website
They can help you think through what you saw, advise on safest next steps, and route information appropriately.
Federal tip line option
HSI Tip Line: 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423)
This can be especially relevant for suspected trafficking activity involving organized operations, transport, or cross-jurisdiction concerns.
If a child is involved online (enticement, exploitation, trafficking indicators)
NCMEC CyberTipline: centralized reporting for suspected online child sexual exploitation
24-hour call center: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)
If you suspect a minor is being exploited online, the CyberTipline is an important reporting pathway.
Step 7: If you can safely talk to the person, keep it simple and non-pressuring
Sometimes you may have a rare moment to speak privately (for example, at a store counter, a clinic, or in a public setting). If—and only if—it is safe and private, keep your approach calm and discreet.
What helps:
Speak softly, stay non-judgmental
Ask yes/no or low-risk questions (they can answer without explaining)
Offer an “out” that doesn’t require them to disclose everything
Examples of safe, supportive phrases:
“Are you safe right now?”
“Do you want me to call someone for you?”
“If you ever need help, there are confidential resources available.”
If they say “no” or seem afraid, don’t push. Your calm presence can still matter—and you can still report what you observed.
Step 8: Protect digital safety and confidentiality
Trafficking victims may have their phones monitored. Even well-intended actions can increase danger.
Safer practices:
Don’t text or email detailed accusations if you think devices may be monitored
Don’t take identifiable photos of victims (this can escalate risk and create privacy harms)
If you share hotline info, consider discreet methods (a small card, a memorized number)
The National Human Trafficking Hotline also warns that online activity may be monitored and encourages safety planning around digital communication.
Step 9: After you report, take care of yourself—and stay engaged locally
Witnessing suspected trafficking can be upsetting. It’s normal to feel shaken, angry, or helpless. Debrief with a trusted person, and remember: reporting is a meaningful action even when you don’t see immediate outcomes.
At Steps to Hope, we encourage community members to stay involved in prevention by:
Learning the signs and sharing accurate information
Supporting survivor-centered services and local outreach
Encouraging businesses, schools, and faith communities to provide awareness training
How Steps to Hope can help
If you’re reading this because something didn’t feel right, trust that instinct. Steps to Hope is committed to education, awareness, and connecting our community to safe resources. We can help you understand red flags, find appropriate local support pathways, and promote prevention efforts that protect vulnerable individuals without putting them at greater risk.
If you suspect trafficking:
Call 911 if there’s immediate danger
Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline (call/text/chat)
For online child exploitation concerns, report to NCMEC’s CyberTipline
You don’t have to be certain to speak up. You just have to be willing to act safely.