Traffickers are people who illegally exploit others for forced labor or sexual purposes. They often deceive or coerce their victims into these situations. There is no specific “profile” of a trafficker—they can come from any background and look like anyone. This makes it crucial to recognize the signs of trafficking, especially because traffickers use tools like social media to find and manipulate victims, especially the youth. Being aware and informed can help spot and prevent these dangerous situations. It is important to note that traffickers can be males or females.

Here are some examples of who traffickers may be:

Human trafficking can occur in many different ways, and these methods can vary by country and have evolved over time. A common misconception is that victims are kidnapped, but in reality, they are often tricked by fake job offers. Recruiters might use job ads or employment agencies to lure people into trafficking situations. However, in some regions, awareness campaigns are helping to combat this method. Instead, traffickers use other tactics to recruit victims. One method is the “lover boy” technique, where a person pretends to be a romantic partner to gain the victim’s trust by love-bombing them with what they want to hear. Female recruiters, who may be victims themselves, are also used in some cases. Additionally, traffickers might work in couples or use acquaintances to recruit victims.

Unfortunately, victims often realize too late that the high-paying job they were promised doesn’t actually exist.