FBI Philadelphia
Public Affairs Specialist Sofia Kettler
philadelphia.media@fbi.gov
January 13, 2025

FBI Philadelphia Recognizes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

The FBI Philadelphia Field Office joins the nation in recognizing National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and continuing the dialogue on human trafficking and the forms we see it in, our work to combat this crime, and resources the FBI has available for victims.

Human trafficking is the illegal exploitation of a person. Under the human trafficking program, the FBI investigates:

  • Sex trafficking: When individuals are compelled by force, fraud, or coercion to engage in commercial sex acts. Sex trafficking of a minor occurs when the victim is under the age of 18. For cases involving minors, it is not necessary to prove force, fraud, or coercion.
  • Labor trafficking: When individuals are compelled by force, threats, or fraud to perform labor or service.
  • Domestic servitude: When individuals within a household appear to be nannies, housekeepers, or other types of domestic workers, but they are being controlled and exploited.

Traffickers use violence, manipulation, false promises of well-paying jobs, or romantic relationships to exploit victims.

Human trafficking is not limited to one particular geographic area or part of the country. Human trafficking can occur in any community, to include cities, suburbs, and rural areas.

“Human trafficking is among the most heinous crimes we investigate, as perpetrators exploit and endanger the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of the FBI Philadelphia Field Office. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to raising awareness about this crime, preventing future victimization, and ensuring survivors receive the resources they deserve.”

The most effective way to investigate human trafficking is through a collaborative, multi-agency approach with partners. The FBI Philadelphia’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force works alongside partners at all levels to investigate traffickers and recover victims.

Victim Resources:

Victim recovery is the primary goal of trafficking investigations. The FBI’s multi-disciplinary team of Special Agents, Analysts, Victim Specialists, and Child Adolescent Forensic Interviewers work together to ensure a victim-centered and trauma-informed response. FBI Victim Specialists work with local, state, and federal resources to provide immediate assistance and long-term support. After recovering a victim of human trafficking, field offices seek to arrest and successfully prosecute the traffickers. The FBI Philadelphia Field Office has Victim Specialists who stand ready to assist victims of crime by ensuring they receive the resources they need.

Reporting:

If you are a human trafficking victim or have information about a potential trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also submit a tip on the NHTRC website.

If you believe a child is involved in a trafficking situation, submit a tip through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline or call 1-800-THE-LOST. FBI personnel assigned to NCMEC review information that is provided to the CyberTipline.

The FBI Philadelphia Field Office can be reached at (215) 418-4000.

For additional resources, please visit:

Human Trafficking webpage: https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/violent-crime/human-trafficking

Victim Services Division: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services