Sex trafficking is a form of human trafficking where a person receives a profit or anything of value from a victim engaging in a sex act. Learn about Minnesota laws on sex trafficking.

Signs of possible sex trafficking

You can help combat sex trafficking by reporting it when you see it. Sex trafficking situations can be difficult to recognize because it is most often a combination of indicators, some of which are listed below. 

• Withdrawn, afraid to talk, communication is censored
• Not attending school on a regular basis 
• Unexplained new clothing, money, jewelry 
• Branding (tattoos of a crown, the word “daddy,” etc.)
• Explicitly sexual social media profile image
• Involved in a relationship with an older man or woman
• History of running away or being unhoused (homelessness)
• Little or no eye contact
• Inconsistent story
• Drug addiction
• Many others

If you suspect sex trafficking, always report it. It’s okay to be wrong. 

Reporting suspected human trafficking

• If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of being trafficked, call 911.
• To report a suspected human trafficking situation, call the BCA at 1-877-996-6222 or email bca.tips@state.mn.us.

Another option for reporting suspected human trafficking is the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 1-888-373-7888.

Victim survivor resources

You can get resources and information on our resources for human trafficking victim survivors page.

More information about sex trafficking 

• Learn about some of the myths and truths of trafficking
• Learn about how traffickers control their victims
• The Polaris Project provides human trafficking data and operates the National Human Trafficking Hotline
• Go to the Minnesota Crime Data Explorer to get sex trafficking data in our state