BUSINESS MODEL

Forced peddling and begging is a well-known type of labor trafficking globally, but Polaris- operated hotlines tend to receive fewer direct reports from victims of this type in the U.S. due to a limited number of victims willing to speak out. One peddling scheme revealed by hotline data involves traffickers who pose under the guise of a seemingly legitimate charitable or religious organization claiming to provide trips and enrichment services to “at-risk youth.” In fact, these rings exploit young U.S. children by forc- ing them to sell candy or baked goods, or solicit “donations” on streets or in shopping centers.