How does Human Trafficking happen?

People sometimes wonder how people can end up being trafficked and in situations of exploitation. Why don’t they see what the traffickers are up to? How could they fall for their deception?

There are two important aspects to consider when trying to answer this question.

Traffickers prey on vulnerable people

“Traffickers prey upon the marginalised and impoverished. Cases examined by UNODC found that at least half involved victims who were targeted because of economic need.” 

Traffickers identify and target vulnerable people who are desperate for hope and solutions to their struggles. These people are often uneducated and have no idea about human trafficking and thus are very susceptible to the lies and ‘opportunities’ traffickers offer. Traffickers offer solutions to the people who need them most.

Some of the most vulnerable people groups targeted by traffickers are:

• Migrants who are in desperate need of employment
• Those in poverty with high economic needs
• Refugees

Traffickers use a range of sophisticated and manipulative methods to recruit their victims

Not only are traffickers strategic about targeting the vulnerable, but they are also strategic in the methods they use to build relationships with them. The below list summarises just some of the strategies deployed to recruit people:

• Traffickers have organised themselves into official looking recruiting agencies often used by potential migrants looking for work abroad.
• Traffickers have also kept pace with technology. Historically stand-alone websites and classified ads were used and now social media is being increasingly deployed to build relationships with young girls and women.
• Traffickers will often lure people through fake job ads or in-person opportunities.
• Traffickers will also manipulate people’s emotional needs and pretend to want friendship or even romantic relationships with victims.