Which indicator is commonly associated with trafficking?

• A. Tattoos or brands
• B. Having multiple phones and lying about them
• C. Talking about pornography
• D. Request not to call a parent

Answer: (B)

Having multiple phones and lying about them signals a purposeful attempt to hide communication with a trafficker. In trafficking situations, the person controlling the youth often restricts who they can contact and may require separate lines for different purposes—one for ordinary life and one for trafficking activities. The secrecy and inconsistency around phone use reflect that the youth is being monitored and manipulated, making this a strong, commonly observed indicator.

Other signs like tattoos or brands can appear in some cases, and talking about pornography can indicate exploitation, but they’re not as consistently linked to trafficking as controlling communication. A request not to call a parent can also occur, but the presence of undisclosed, multiple phones is a clearer pattern of trafficking-related control and concealment.