Protect Yourself from Possible Trafficking Situations

Human trafficking situations aren’t always obvious. Take steps to keep yourself safe. When you are offered or thinking about taking a new job:

• Make sure the business is legitimate.
  • Research the company online. Find out if it is mentioned online, has a website, or has reviews by customers or workers.
  • If the company is in the United States, ask for the Employer Identification Number (EIN).
  • Call the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at (800) 829-4933 to make sure the information you were given is accurate.
• If you meet with the recruiter or employer in person:
  • Tell a trusted friend or relative where you’re going, who you’re meeting with, and when you’ll be back.
  • Meet in a public place or office with other people around.
• Ask for information about the job. For example, ask about the type of work you’ll be doing, when and where you’ll be working, what, when, how, and how often you’ll be paid, and who your boss will be.
• Ask to talk to other employees or customers about their experience with the company. 
• Don’t share your personal information, such as your address, e-mail address, phone number, social media handles, Social Security number, or bank account information with a recruiter or employer if you don’t feel comfortable.
• Don’t pay recruitment fees.
• Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, for example, the recruiter or employer pressures you to accept the job or gets defensive when you ask questions, charges expenses that will be hard to repay, the job seems too good to be true, or you just don’t think it’s a good fit, don’t take the job.

Information based on National Human Trafficking Hotline safety tips, https://humantraffickinghotline.org/faqs/safety-planning-information.