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Human Trafficking

human trafficking
Alert our driver. Help victims escape.

Human trafficking victims are hiding in plain sight including on our buses and transit centers. They are enslaved, being held captive and forced to live and work in substandard conditions for little or no pay. The Be The One program raises awareness and encourage riders to simply notify our driver or law enforcement when they see a possible victim on the bus or at a bus stop.

You could Be The One to make a difference.

What to look for:

  • Fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous/paranoid behavior
  • Lack of knowledge of whereabouts and/or time
  • Signs of malnourishment, physical abuse or restraint, confinement, or torture
  • Few or no personal possessions
  • Under control by another person

What to do:

Contact one of the agencies listed below. Before you do, please note the ethnicity, sex, age, height, hair color, distinguishing features and location of the potential victim. Wait to report until you are in a safe place.

1. You can speak to an OCTA driver who is trained to contract police discreetly.
2. Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888) 373-7888. Call 24/7 and remain anonymous.
3. Text 233-733 (Be Free)
4. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you choose to get out, reach out. Call these numbers any time day or night. When you’re ready, so are we.

Other Human Trafficking Resources in Orange County

Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force
Community Service Programs Victim Assistance (949) 250-4058
The Salvation Army-Network of Emergency Trafficking Services (714) 783-2338
U.S. Department of Justice Hotline (888) 428-7581

For more information
Additional insight into the problem can be found at these links:

Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force
California Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Home Page

Explore More Information

The Problem
Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, a type of injustice that violates basic human rights.
Learn More
Identifying the Signs
The vast majority are adult (age 18 and over) females, although males are also victimized by human traffickers. 
Learn More
Dispelling the Myths
In order to spot a potential victim, you have to know the truth about human trafficking in Orange County.
Learn More


Funded by the U.S. Department of Home Security Transit Security Grant Program

"Be the one to help out" is a request to all OCTA bus riders to be proactive and look out for one another. You are often the first to notice when something doesn't seem right. When it comes to the crime of human trafficking, the simple act of letting our driver know or calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline might rescue someone from what is considered modern day slavery.

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