Human trafficking happens when a person is controlled or harmed for another person’s profit. It is a serious federal crime and a violation of human rights.

Trafficking often starts small by acting caring, offering help, giving gifts, or promising things like job opportunities. These actions are used to build trust and create dependence that can later lead to exploitation.

Trafficking often starts online, through social media, gaming, or chat features to connect with young people. They might offer friendship, gifts, or in-game/in-app items, emotional support, or opportunities that feel exciting or affirming. Over time, this contact can lead to pressure, manipulation, or threats, both online and offline.

Human trafficking can include employment-related scams. People may be recruited for what seem like legitimate jobs such as childcare, nannying, farm work, construction or cleaning only to find unpaid/underpaid or abusive conditions, have their documents taken, long hours, or threats if they try to leave.

Trafficking doesn’t always involve crossing borders. Many victims are exploited within their own communities through false job offers or informal work arrangements that take advantage of a person’s need for income, housing, or support.

Human trafficking can happen in any community in Saskatchewan. Many people who are trafficked are harmed by someone they know or trust such as:

• Intimate partners: Traffickers may pretend to be boyfriends or romantic partners, using gifts and sweet words to build trust quickly.
• Family members: In some cases, abuse may start with a parent or another relative.
• Friends, co-workers, or bosses: People in positions of trust or power, such as friends or employers, may take advantage of that relationship.
• Online acquaintances: Social media and dating apps are often used to groom victims, especially young people.