Common Myths about Human Trafficking
Myth: Human trafficking requires an International or state border crossing.
Fact: No movement is required for a situation to be considered “trafficking.”
Myth: Smuggling is a required element of the human trafficking definition.
Fact: Smuggling is not required, but a person who is smuggled may also be a victim of human trafficking.
Myth: Human trafficking victims are always foreign nationals.
Fact: Victims may be U.S. citizens, foreign nationals, or undocumented persons.
Myth: Trafficking victims must be kidnapped and/or restrained physically.
Fact: Trafficking victims may be threatened or manipulated into compliance, but do not necessarily have to be physically restrained or locked up.
Myth: Only girls are victims of child sex trafficking.
Fact: Anyone can be a victim: boys, girls, and transgender people of all races.
Myth: Human trafficking only occurs in illegal underground industries.
Fact: Trafficking can occur in legal and legitimate business settings as well. Human trafficking has been reported in business markets such as restaurants, hotels, and manufacturing plants, as well as underground markets such as commercial sex in residential brothels and street based commercial sex.
