MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – Authorities are warning about viral social media posts claiming predators are targeting potential human trafficking victims with zip ties on windshields. Local law enforcement says they are false.
Although this tactic isn’t common with sex traffickers, other ways are used frequently. The thought behind the zip-tie around your wipers is to stop them from working if it’s raining. When you get out to pull it off, you’re caught off guard. Yet authorities say human traffickers gain your trust by pulling on your emotions.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is calling out the social media posts as a hoax. It’s warning others human traffickers are using zip-ties to lure out women.
“What we have seen a lot more often is called a Romeo pimp or a boyfriend pimp,” said Rachel Haaga, the executive director at Restore Corps. “So the client, survivor the victim feels like she is in a relationship she doesn’t want to leave.”
Restore Corps works to save trafficking victims in Memphis.
“We’ve had victims that have had boiling water poured on them, cigarettes put out on them, held actually with physical chains,” said Haaga.
Law enforcement often calls upon Restore Corps or ask victims to directly dial its hotline.
“In that moment what most victims need to hear first is ‘I believe you’ and ‘I’m in it with you,’” shared Haaga.
Last month, a suspect was charged with trafficking two teen girls for commercial sex acts.
Shelby County Sheriff’s officials say it’s important to be attentive while you’re out. Especially women by ourselves. They also warn to not be so fixated on your phone, you’re blind to danger. It’s also ideal to park near a SkyCop camera for added safety. To reduce the odds of trafficking, parents should also be alert to oversharing on social media.
“So many people put their fears, their frustrations online,” Haaga said. “That if the wrong person is seeing all of us broadcast what’s wrong with us, that person can come in and say ‘I understand’ and exploit.”
Anyone can be a target to human trafficking. Predators look for emotional or monetary weaknesses. If you or someone you know is in trouble, call the Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-55-TNHTH (86484).