According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, crisis cases increased nationwide by more than 40% during April 2020—one month following the issuance of shelter-in-place orders. The number of victims seeking emergency shelter nearly doubled during the same time period.
These heartbreaking and disturbing preliminary reports show us just how much work needs to be done to stop these monsters from forcing more innocent lives into this despicable, illicit enterprise.
This week, in partnership with the It’s a Penalty campaign and the Tampa International Airport, my office helped unveil new human trafficking prevention signs across TPA. With Super Bowl LV coming to Tampa in February, and the second straight year of the Super Bowl being held in our state, Florida expects to see a surge in visitors. These signs are designed for victims to reach out for help and for encouraging travelers and airport staff to report instances of human trafficking.
For more information about how to spot and report human trafficking, visit YouCanStopHT.com. Floridians can also still register for our virtual 2020 Human Trafficking Summit to access hours of educational content.
I encourage all Floridians to learn the signs of human trafficking. Take preventative actions to protect yourself and your family’s online activity from human traffickers looking to exploit the virtual world to advance this repulsive, heinous crime.
If you suspect or witness any instance of human trafficking, contact local law enforcement or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1(888) 373-7888.
By reporting instances of human trafficking and helping citizens become more aware, we will build a Stronger, Safer Florida.
In The News
Tampa International Airport launches human trafficking campaign ahead of Super Bowl, Tampa Bay Business Journal
January is recognized as Human Trafficking Month as numbers in the state rise, ABC 7 Sarasota
Ashley Moody Warns About Stimulus-Related Scams, Florida Daily
Watch out for fraud as stimulus payments deposited, mailed, Florida AG warns, WJXT Jacksonville
New stimulus check scam alert, CBS 12 West Palm Beach
Feds: Stimulus checks are intended for people, not nursing homes, ABC Action News
Protecting Floridians
Attorney General Ashley Moody is enlisting a major international travel hub in the battle to prevent human trafficking ahead of Super Bowl LV. Along with It’s a…
said, “Super Bowl LIV brought many adoring fans to our state last year, ready to fully enjoy the game and festivities. Unfortunately, as with any event attracting huge crowds, the event also attracted black market vendors and customers. Human traffickers exploit these types of events to…
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Attorney General Ashley Moody is recovering funds for students of a Florida diploma mill after the Attorney General’s Office successfully litigated and obtained…
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Events
This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody announced a new human trafficking prevention strategy, in partnership with the It’s a Penalty campaign and the Tampa International Airport, ahead of Super Bowl LV in February. Signage across TPA is being placed for incoming and outgoing travelers to help them spot and report instances of human trafficking.
Attorney General Ashley Moody swearing in, virtually, new Broward County law enforcement leaders as part of the Broward County Chiefs of Police Association’s Installation Ceremony.
