Today is the World Day against Trafficking in Persons; and international efforts are ongoing to stop the trend and make the world safe for all, especially the vulnerable such as children and girls.

Social media is increasingly being exploited to contact, recruit and sell children for sex, according to a study by The University of Toledo Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute.

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As reported, the study reveals how traffickers quickly target and connect with vulnerable children, girls and other victims on the Internet through social media.

The following are seven tricks employed by human traffickers to lure and trap their victims:

1. They use fake job posts to recruit unsuspecting victims.

2. They ask for sexually explicit photos and use such to blackmail their unsuspecting victims eventually.

3. Traffickers study what potential victim posts on social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram or SnapChat, as well as dating apps such as Tinder, Blendr and Yellow, or webcam sites like Chatroulette and Monkey.

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4.  They learn about the girls and pretend to understand their victims, most of whom almost always feel misunderstood, unloved and ugly.

5.  Examples of social media posts that draw the attention of a trafficker include expressions of fear , emptiness and disappointment, such as , ‘ I am so sick of being single;’ ‘ I am so ugly;’ ‘ My life sucks;’ ‘ My parents don ’ t trust me;’ ‘ I’ m being treated like a kid;’ ‘ I need to get out of here, ’ etc.

6.  Predators also look for indicators of substance abuse, runaway activity and destabilization within the home.

7.  A trafficker’s strategic response include: ‘I understand you;’ ‘ I love you;’ ‘ I think you’ re beautiful. I’ ll encourage you to show your body. Use your body;’ ‘ I’ ll make your life better;’ ‘ I’ ll encourage you to take risks. You’re an adult;’ ‘ I’ll protect you;’ ‘ I’ll make you successful;’ etc.

( Sources: the University of Toledo Research on Human Trafficking, Ohio attorney general. gov, Phys)