RECRUITMENT

Traffickers are increasingly using online platforms to recruit and exploit victims, particularly targeting vulnerable individuals through social media, dating apps, and other digital channels. They often groom their victims by building trust and offering false promises of love, financial support, or employment opportunities. Victims, especially minors, are lured into exploitative situations through manipulative tactics and false identities. This digital recruitment makes it easier for traffickers to operate anonymously, reaching a broader pool of potential victims while remaining difficult to trace. The shift to online recruitment highlights the importance of educating individuals about the risks of online exploitation and the need for vigilance in digital spaces.

SLANG

• Bottom: female appointed by trafficker to supervise others 

• Exit fee: money a pimp will demand from a victim trying to leave

• Family/Folks: describes other individuals under the control of the same pimp

• John: individual who pays for sexual acts

• Kiddie stroll: area know for prostitution that features younger victims

• Lot lizard: victim who is being prostituted at truck stops

• Trick: committing an act of prostitution

EMOJIS?

• Cherry 🍒, Heart 💗: Young women or girls, virginity or minor

• Crown 👑: “Pimp” or a person in control of trafficking operations

• High Heels 👠: Symbolizes sex work or escort services

• Money Bag 💰: Transactions or earnings from trafficking

• Diamond 💎: Luxury or high-end services

• Rose 🌹: Number indicates price

• Lips 👄: Oral sex or sexual acts

• Peach 🍑, Eggplant 🍆: Bottom, preference for men

• Camera 📷, Video 📹: X-rated photos or videos