Know the signs. Trust your instincts. Protect your freedom.

Traffickers don’t always look scary — and they don’t always use force. Sometimes, they pretend to be friends, older boyfriends, or mentors. They offer gifts, rides, love, or protection — but only to get control.

Knowing how to spot manipulation and set strong boundaries can help keep you and your friends safe.

How Traffickers Manipulate & Exploit

• Flattery: They may call you beautiful, say you’re mature, or tell you that you’re special in order to gain your trust.

• Gifts and money: They may buy you things you want, but later expect things in return.

• Isolation: They may try to pull you away from friends, family, or activities.

• Promises: They may say you can make quick money, become famous, or get a better life.

• Guilt or threats: They use secrets, shame, or fear to keep you quiet.

How You Can Protect Yourself

1. Know your worth
   You don’t need to earn love with your body, your time, or your silence. Real love doesn’t come with pressure or strings.

2. Ask questions
   If someone offers you a job, money, a place to stay, or a modeling gig — ask:
   “What’s the catch?” “Why me?” “Where are we going?”
   If the answers don’t feel right, they probably aren’t.

3. Stay connected
   Traffickers want you alone. Keep in touch with trusted adults — even when you’re mad, embarrassed, or scared.

4. Set boundaries
   You ALWAYS have the right to say no to anyone, anywhere, anytime. If someone ignores your no, they don’t respect you.

5. Trust your gut
   If something feels off, strange, or too good to be true, it probably is. Listen to that feeling.