Human Trafficking Initiative
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Report human trafficking

If you think someone faces immediate harm, call 911. Do not intervene.

To report other suspicious activity, call the nonemergency number of your local police or the 24-hour National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-3737-888), which sends Ohio-related information directly to the appropriate local response/network.

Warning signs

All Ohioans can play a role in combating human trafficking by reporting suspicious activity based on these warning signs:

Sex trafficking

The potential victim:
  • Is not in control of identification documents or money.
  • Has inconsistent or well-rehearsed story about where he/she lives, the relationship with the person he/she is with or how he/she traveled to the current location.
  • Is in presence of an overtly controlling or concerned male or female friend or boyfriend/girlfriend.
  • Is in possession of multiple hotel key cards, prepaid credit cards or cellphones.
  • Shows signs of physical, mental or emotional abuse.
  • Is unable to come and go as he/she pleases.

Labor trafficking

The potential victim:
  • Appears to live at the place of employment.
  • Is transported in a group by the employer or someone who is part of employer’s organization.
  • Experiences restricted or monitored movement.
  • Is not in control of identification documents.
  • Earns wages below the state’s minimum wage.
  • Is constantly indebted to the employer.
  • Shows signs of physical abuse, isolation and starvation.
  • Works long hours in poor conditions.