Human trafficking, often referred to as modern-day slavery, 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 U.S. It can happen in any community and victims can be any age, race, gender or nationality. Victims are often the most vulnerable among us, those living on the margins of society; young women and children. It’s a real threat that anyone can fall victim to.

With more than 63,000 employees serving a daily average of 260,000 guests, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the ideal venue to provide educational information about human trafficking and how to spot, report, and prevent these insidious crimes against the most vulnerable of our society. ATL is taking a strong stand to help end Human Trafficking, and we are counting on your support. Join us this month and every month as we continue our efforts to raise awareness throughout the year. 

Human Trafficking Indicators 

Physical Indicators

• Wears clothing that is inappropriate for their route of travel
• Shows signs of physical abuse, such as burns, scars and bruises
• Holds no identification or held by another person
• Has name or symbol tattooed or branded on their body (bar code, “$,” Daddy, etc.) and may match travel companion
• Lacks basic knowledge of travel plans or where they have been
• Accompanied by an overly controlling or abusive boyfriend or travel companion
• Displays poor physical or mental health
• Carries excessive or limited baggage, including excessive shopping or hotel bags
• Lacks control of their money or does not have any money
• Uses prepaid credit cards such as Green Dot, Vanilla, etc.
• Minor(s) accompanied by unrelated male or female escorts
• Has same address as companions but not related to one another

Behavioral Indicators

• Unable or unwilling to move freely, or they are closely watched or followed
• Has others speak for them or looks to the companion to speak on their behalf
• Provides scripted answers and cannot deviate from a script
• Avoids eye contact, social interaction and authority figures/law enforcement
• Constantly looks at mobile device before responding
• Displays signs of anxiety, depression, fear, annoyance, resistance, or belligerence to authorities
• Lies about identity and/or age
• Does not know the identities of travel companions
• Makes statements such as, “I’m going to be in area/country for an extended period.”
• Reports missing children

Human Trafficking Awareness 365 2022 Events