Human Trafficking Cases Rising In Oklahoma, State Investigators Say

The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics says human trafficking is on the rise, and one of the main avenues for traffickers is online dating.

OBN says traffickers prey on people who they view as lonely and distant from friends and family, and in some cases, victims do not realize they're being trafficked.

When it comes to dating scams, OBN says traffickers will typically make a trust bond online before forcing the victim to do things they normally wouldn't.

Meanwhile, OBN says labor scams primarily target migrants looking for a new life, telling them they can work off a debt to enter the United States, but the work never ends.

"We've put out 'You Are Not Alone' stickers and posters throughout the state … Where they can click a QR code and report anonymously," OBN Public Information Officer Mark Woodward said. "A lot of this is just taking place online, now it is ads on commercial sex websites, but some of it is on [the] surface web."

OBN says signs to look out for when it comes to someone who may be a victim of trafficking include nervousness, avoiding eye contact, bruises, no forms of identification, and seemingly scripted responses.

If you believe you are in situations such as these, you can report it anonymously. If you are someone who fears reporting their situation may result in deportation. OBN says they will work with your case to help you.

The hotline to report trafficking is on your screen.