Missouri attorney general emphasizes World Cup human trafficking prevention
Olivia Hayes
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Human trafficking is believed to impact at least 27.6 million people globally, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Large sporting events like the upcoming FIFA World Cup create a prime environment for traffickers, with big crowds helping them fly under the radar.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said Wednesday that her office is sounding the alarm about the threat of trafficking coming to Missouri with six FIFA World Cup matches taking place in Kansas City and at least 650,000 visitors expected to the area. The first match in Kansas City will see Argentina and Algeria battle it out on Tuesday.
However, the official kick-off is on Thursday in Mexico City between Mexico and South Africa.
“We’re concerned that this is going to be the Super Bowl times at least 10,” Hanaway said. “They’re staying here longer, they have a lot of disposable income, this is a very expensive endeavor to travel to a game and to buy tickets, and it’s very male-dominated.”
Kansas City also has an international airport in its backyard, which may ease travel struggles for many, but that provides another avenue for potential trafficking. The Kansas City Aviation Department reported more than 900,000 passengers arrived and departed through Kansas City International Airport’s gates in April.
Hanaway’s office has partnered with It’s a Penalty and the Safe House Project to combat potential trafficking efforts. Part of the collaboration includes promoting the app Simply Report. Hanaway is urging those who see anything concerning to say something.
“Don’t be afraid to overreport — law enforcement can figure out if it’s a good tip or not,” Hanaway said. “If you see young people who are in the control of an adult that they don’t seem to have a natural relationship with, if you’re at a hotel and there’s a lot of traffic in and out of a particular room, just report it. If the hotel room turns out to just be a party, the hotel is probably aware of it.”
Hanaway detailed warning signs that potential targets of traffickers should look out for.
“If they talk to you about modeling or traveling or something that pays really well for the kind of work that it is. Particularly if they start to talk to you about coming to a hotel or a house of some kind,” Hanaway said.
Scams
The Attorney General’s Office is also focusing on consumer scams ahead of the Kansas City matches. Specifically, rental, parking and towing and ticket scams. Hanaway said her office has already been alerted to reports of scams tied to the World Cup events.
“Hotel rooms as far out as Columbia and St. [Joseph] are now all booked up. So if you’re hearing about some last hot deal, you’re going to want to make sure it’s not just somebody taking your money who doesn’t have housing to provide to you,” Hanaway said.
Hanaway suggested using a credit card with fraud protection for purchases or bookings you may be unsure about. As for ticket purchases, she urged people to use reputable sites, or if you’re buying from a person, make sure it’s someone you know and trust.
Parking and towing scams could also be prominent throughout the games. Hanaway is reminding people to double and triple-check the area where they leave their cars during the World Cup events.
“Make sure that either the sign is permanent or that it’s has some indication of being official. Anything that looks like it’s haphazard and put up at the last minute, you want to watch out for,” Hanaway said.
With hundreds of tow companies in the Kansas City area, Hanaway also cautioned drivers to proceed with caution — make sure they actually have your car.
“Don’t start paying anyone until you’ve gone to their tow lot and confirmed that they have your car,” Hanaway said.
Federal, state, county and local safety agencies are all taking part in prevention and security measures.