A victim of sex trafficking often appears to be under someone else's control and is not free to leave or come and go as he/she wishes.

The victim is not in control of his or her own money, and has no financial records, or bank account. Similarly, the victim is not in control of his or her own identification documents.

A victim will often have a lack of knowledge of whereabouts and/or what city he or she is in and a loss of sense of time. They may state claims of just visiting and inability to clarify where they are staying or the specific address.

The individual will often show signs of substance abuse or addiction in the form of alcohol or drug use. This is typically as a means of dependency by the trafficker.

Since victims will experience threat or actual physical harm they can exhibit signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement, or torture.

The individual is fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous/paranoid. They may exhibit angry and aggressive or depressed and anxious behavior.

The victim will exhibit unusually fearful or anxious behavior in the mentioning or presence of law enforcement.

Tattoos or brandings are often used by pimps as a way to brand victims and claim ownership.

Pregnancy and abortion at a young age may be common, as well as repeated unwanted pregnancies.

Individuals may have few or no personal possessions. They have a limited amount of clothing, of which a large proportion is sexual.