If You See One Of These Signs, Do Not Call (Photos)

A Kansas woman is warning others about signs that may be related to human trafficking. 

Danielle Thompson shared a post on Facebook showing examples of different signs put up in her area advertising jobs that pay well, with only a phone number to contact for more information.

Thompson warns that the signs may be linked to human trafficking, which is a big problem in Kansas and all around the country. The signs are usually placed around busy roads and are often worded to target teens.

Danielle’s Facebook post reads:

Human trafficking is not a joke and not something to be taken lightly. Especially considering #Kansas is the center hub of trafficking movement . Ads like these are just one of the ways people are getting abducted all across the united states. Be cautious of any sign offering only a number. Online ads geared at part time travel and babysitting work or make some quick cash just send two photos. They use every bit of info you give them to target you or your children. Many are enticing young people to make extra cash, so please if you or your teenagers are looking for work advise them to be extremely cautious and teach them how to define the red flags. #besafe The numbers just in abductions has risen tremendously this year with 151 calls and only 51 confirmed and it’s only the beginning of summer. #protectyourkids #ictsos

The post quickly went viral as many Facebook users wanted to get the word out about the potential threat. Her post was shared more than 300,000 times in less than two weeks.

According to WJRT, there have been similar concerns about help wanted signs that have been put up in one area in Michigan.

Police in Vassar, Michigan, say that there is now a city ordinance banning the signs as they are investigating whether or not a legitimate business put up the signs or if there may be links to human trafficking.

“It is another avenue that traffickers use to recruit people into their world,” Valerie Hoffman, executive director of the Underground Railroad, Inc., told WJRT.

Hoffman says that it is possible that the signs are related to sex trafficking, but that it is more likely labor trafficking. 

“What they do is kind of switch it up a little bit. ‘Wow, you’re doing so great, we think you’d be really good in this other office’. And the goal is to move them into an isolated area where you can literally say, you know, ‘You don’t get paid until you make 100 sales,'” Hoffman said.

Police are warning that anybody who sees the signs, especially teens, should not contact the number listed. The signs are being considered “high risk,” and the investigation is underway.

The Vassar Police Department issued a press release regarding the signs.

The press release reads:

“The city of Vassar Police Department is currently conducting an investigation regarding signs placed along the road side near Vassar High school, and the business district of the City. These signs advertise for “Summer Work”, and offer a wage “Even with no experience”. These signs request that individuals interested text a phone number.

As part of this investigation, the Vassar Police is working with the National Human Trafficking Center (NHTC), who have categorized these types of advertisements or signs as High Risk, and indicate a high potential for human trafficking. Both the NHTC and the City of Vassar Police Department strongly discouraged individuals or persons (especially those under the age of 18) from contacting companies who advertise in this manner.

According to the NHTC, signage of this type has been linked to organizations involved with labor trafficking that occurs in venues such as;

– Agriculture
– Begging Rings
– Traveling Sales Crews
– Landscaping Service
– Hospitality

Companies who employee individuals “under the table”, and offer wages and bonuses for unobtainable goals set for the employee. The promised wage or bonus is rarely paid, and employees are left with little or no recourse.

The NHTC further warns of signage that specifically targets minors such as;

– Looking for teenagers for babysitting
– Looking for models
– Farm work
– Work with Carnival or Circus
– Door to door sales crews
– Any signs placed near a school “no experience necessary”

Any signs that may be considered as a dating or soliciting service in disguise, or requesting information via text message or potential fraudulent means.”

Sources: Danielle Thompson/Facebook, WJRT / Photo Credit: Pexels, Danielle Thompson/Facebook