Is Your Short-Term Rental Being Used For Human Trafficking?

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In a meeting with a landlords association in North West Arkansas last June, the FBI warned attendees of a rise in incidences of trafficking in the area, particularly in upscale areas.

Airbnb have recently funded The Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking.

A Dallas police raid on a short term rental in Plano, Texas resulted in the arrest of nearly 2 dozen men.  

Dallas Police Special Operation Major Devon Palk said “short-term rental homes are a change in tactics from where sex trafficking traditionally occurred. It allows traffickers to avoid law enforcement and blend into neighborhoods”.

And, last May a New Jersey man was arrested for human trafficking at a St Augustine Airbnb.  It was the host’s first rental.

Would you know if your property was being used for human trafficking purposes? 

These operations often require discrete locations to conduct their activities, and short-term rentals can unwittingly provide the perfect cover.

As a short-term rental property owner or manager, there is every possibility you could unknowingly  become a part of this dark world if your property is used for these activities.  

However being vigilant and aware of certain indicators can help prevent your property from being a site for such horrendous acts.

Here are 10 signs that may suggest your short-term rental is being used for human trafficking.

1. High Frequency of Different Guests in Short Periods:
   If your property is frequently booked for short periods, especially by the same guest, it's a potential red flag. ‍
   
   
2. Bookings Made with Prepaid Cards or Cryptocurrency:
   Traffickers often use untraceable payment methods to avoid detection. If you notice a pattern of payments being made with prepaid cards, cryptocurrencies, or other anonymous payment methods, it may be cause for concern.
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3. Avoidance of Personal Interaction and Screening Processes:
   Those involved in illegal activities typically prefer to avoid personal interactions. If a guest consistently evades communication, is reluctant to provide identification, or seems overly anxious to avoid any kind of screening process, this could be a warning sign.
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4. Excessive Security and Privacy Measures by Guests:
   An unusual amount of concern for privacy, such as covering windows, refusing cleaning services, or installing their own locks or security cameras, can be an indication  of illicit activities taking place within your rental.
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5. Reports of Suspicious Behavior from Neighbors or Other Guests: 
   Pay attention to reports from neighbors or other guests about unusual behavior. This might include seeing different people coming and going at odd hours, hearing disturbing noises, or observing guests who appear to be under distress..  Having a good relationship with neighbours can be key to identifying unwelcome activities.
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6. Overcrowding or Excessive Number of Guests: 
   If your property seems to be accommodating more people than what is typical or allowed, especially if guests appear to be living in cramped or inadequate conditions, it might signal a trafficking operation.
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7. Evidence of Physical Restraint or Control:
   Discovering items that could be used for restraint (such as handcuffs, ropes, or tape) or noticing modifications to the property that could be used for confinement or surveillance can be a serious indicator of human trafficking.
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8. Guests with a Lack of Personal Possessions:
   Victims of trafficking often have very few personal possessions and may wear the same clothes for extended periods. If you notice guests with little to no personal items or wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather or situation, it's a cause for concern.
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9. Signs of Physical or Emotional Distress:
   Be aware of guests who show signs of physical injuries, seem malnourished, or exhibit behavior indicative of psychological trauma, such as fear, anxiety, or submission.
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10. Reluctance to Interact with Service Providers or Authorities:
    Guests who are hesitant or fearful of interacting with service providers like maintenance staff, or who are overly anxious about the presence of authorities such as police, could be under the control of traffickers.

As a property owner or manager, it's crucial to maintain a balance between respecting the privacy of your guests and being vigilant about these warning signs. It's also essential to know the legal and ethical ways to intervene if you suspect human trafficking.

Here are some steps you can take:

Educate Yourself and Your Staff

Understand the signs of human trafficking and train your staff to recognize and report suspicious behavior.  Some states offer free training such as the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking. Your team sees the activities of the neighboring properties as much as they see the activity of your own property.  If they see something strange, unusual activity as mentioned above, it could be human trafficking.  Check sex offender registration listings on a regular basis – bi-monthly is recommended especially if you cater towards families.
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Implement a Screening Process

Have a robust verification system for renters, including requiring valid identification and conducting background checks where appropriate.
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Maintain Good Communication with Neighbors

Encourage neighbors to report any unusual activities they observe.
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Establish Clear Rental Agreements

Include clauses that clearly prohibit illegal activities and outline the consequences of violating these terms.  Ensure these are signed by the lead guest.
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Know How to Report Suspicions

Familiarize yourself with the local authorities or organizations dedicated to combating human trafficking and understand the process for reporting your suspicions.

Remember, combating human trafficking is a collective responsibility. By being observant, informed, and proactive, short-term rental property owners and managers can play a crucial role in disrupting this illegal and inhumane activity.

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Lastly… Could you be participating in Labor trafficking?  

Check your banking verification process!  If you pay team members or vendors, make sure you are paying their wages and fees directly into their bank accounts. Ask for direct deposit information or confirmation from their banking institution that they have ownership of the account you are funding.

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Do you Offer Benefits to your team? 

Make sure you are doing independent verification for coverage.  Many victims are found on employer sponsored plans especially for prescription and life insurance policies.  This goes for work-site benefits like AFLAC as well.

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