While the holiday season doesn't necessarily see a surge in human trafficking reports, the increased activity in shopping centers and transportation hubs can create opportunities for traffickers to operate unnoticed. Experts emphasize the importance of recognizing key indicators of human trafficking and taking action if suspicious activity is observed.

Staca Shehan, vice president of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's Analytical Services Division, clarifies that child sex trafficking is a year-round issue, with no statistically significant increase during the holidays. However, the festive season's distractions and focus on happiness can lead to overlooked warning signs.

Shehan highlights that extended school breaks during the holidays can limit the ability of teachers and school staff to identify potential red flags. For some children, being home from school might mean increased exposure to their trafficker. Additionally, issues like substance abuse or domestic violence at home can drive children to run away, making them vulnerable to exploitation.

Retired NYPD Sergeant Paul Grattan Jr., managing director of Graypoint Strategies, agrees that the holiday season's increased travel can facilitate traffickers' movements and create opportunities to target vulnerable individuals traveling alone or seeking shelter. He points out a general rise in trafficking over the past decade, partly attributed to the vulnerability of migrants seeking a better life in the U.S.

Grattan emphasizes that forced labor is a significant aspect of human trafficking, and migrants are often targeted for this purpose. Natural disasters, such as Hurricanes Helene and Milton, can also exacerbate trafficking vulnerabilities in affected regions. Human trafficking is a lucrative criminal enterprise, estimated to generate $150 billion annually worldwide, impacting an estimated 25 million victims globally.

Traffickers often target individuals they know, but they also prey on those alone in public spaces like hotels, malls, and truck stops. Online platforms, particularly social media and gaming sites, are also used by predators to groom children. They exploit children's vulnerabilities and manipulate them into dangerous situations.

Shehan outlines several indicators of potential trafficking, including signs of physical or sexual abuse, neglect, reluctance to speak, unexplained absences from school, and possessions inconsistent with a child's financial means. Branding tattoos and displays of wealth beyond a child's means are also potential red flags.

If you suspect someone is being trafficked, contact The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST or CYBERTIPLINE.ORG.