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Deeper dives into human trafficking continue to reveal the tactics that perpetrators of this crime rely upon in order to exploit victims.

It is very common for human traffickers to pose as the friends or romantic partners of those being victimized. Moreover, there are cases where people find themselves suffering from trafficking at the hands of relatives or other trusted authority figures in their lives.

With the rise of the internet and social media, human traffickers also continue turning to these places to find new people to target. Anti-human trafficking experts, survivors, law enforcement, and other key officials are therefore sharing information that people can use to practice safe habits while online.

Meanwhile, law enforcement in Ohio is drawing attention to one key risk factor for human trafficking: poverty.

A critical message from the Dayton Police Department

According to law enforcement in Dayton, Ohio, human traffickers often take advantage of people suffering from issues like poverty, substance abuse, and even a lack of self-worth.

When taking advantage, traffickers first offer to fill a void. Oftentimes, they'll build a rapport and faux connection with the person they're targeting before moving to exploit them. By the time exploitation begins, many victims of human trafficking feel trapped.

After all, it is not uncommon for human traffickers to employ coercion, fraud, and force in order to continue committing crimes of this nature.

The Dayton Police Department maintains that it's working with schools, human trafficking survivors, and others in the community. This is key to not just making a positive difference, but also making sure that folks are informed when it comes to human trafficking and what this crime entails.

More on the behavior patterns of human traffickers

Sometimes, human traffickers lead their victims to believe nothing is wrong with what's happening to them. Many victims also may not be aware of what "human trafficking" entails. This, in and of itself, poses a very serious problem.

Unfortunately, law enforcement also cautions that spotting victims of human trafficking often remains easier said than done. This is because traffickers have a tendency to move around the people they're abusing.

The use of phones and other online devices can likewise make trafficking harder to detect on the surface.

Anyone who wishes to report what they believe to be human trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline via phone at 1 (888) 373-7888 or by text at 233733.