Sex Trafficking…Tricks of the Trade
Sex Trafficking. UBER SCAMS
While UBER and LYFT may be two of the best-known private vehicle transport services used by the public today, they are not the only ones. However, this kidnapping scam is starting to show up in cities all over the world now. It is important that the users of these services remain focused on who is actually picking them.
Parking Lot Scams
Another new technique used is to create a reason for a woman approaching her car to pause before entering it, so as to create an opportunity to “grab,” her. They may also create a reason for her to exit the car focused on something other than her surroundings.
As an example, women are reporting that as they approach their vehicle, they realize that a shopping cart has been “zip-tied,” to the door handle of their car! Since most women do not carry a pocketknife to cut the zip-ties free…they are caught off guard as to why this has been done. The usual reaction is that it was done by someone they may know as a joke. However, what it really does is insure they cannot enter their vehicle! The next thing they know they are being dragged into an adjacent vehicle!
Women Asking for Help Scam
Unfortunately, sex-traffickers are also increasing the psychological sophistication of the “scams” they use to trick their intended victims. It is becoming increasingly common for other women to be used to gain trust and put the target at ease by female compatriots making the initial approach.
The ruse may be a simple request to use the victim’s phone to make an emergency call because their phone is dead. It could be a request for them to help with an insignificant task. Perhaps they need change for the valet or help with directions. The entire effort is designed to get the victim to NOT focus on their surroundings and to portray the appearance to anyone else that these women are comfortable with each other and may even be acquaintances.
At the first possible chance, they are forced into a vehicle that simply slows down beside them which then speeds away. It is imperative that women recognize this new dynamic in the ever-expanding repertories of techniques, tricks and scams that sex-traffickers are using. Unfortunately, you can no longer conclude that anyone approaching you, male or female is not a threat. Simply remain focused on not just them but your entire surroundings. Do not let them get within arms-reach. Offer to call 911 for them if they need help but do not surrender your phone to a stranger for any reason.
Be alert! Be confident! Be smart! Be SAFE!