DSD warns against online trafficking tactics

As we observe World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Western Cape Department of Social Development calls on residents to be extra vigilant on social media as we see a global increase in traffickers who use digital platforms as part of their recruitment tactics. 

Online platforms, including messaging apps, are increasingly used to lure victims with fake job offers, fraudulent modelling opportunities, romance scams, and promises of international employment or education.

“The nature of cyber-enabled trafficking is hidden, and underreported. However, digital platforms have become a popular tool for traffickers to identify, groom, and exploit vulnerable people. This reinforces the need for greater digital awareness, public education, and collaboration between law enforcement, technology companies, and communities,” said Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt.

During the 2025/26 financial year, the Department’s Victim Empowerment Programme assisted 19 victims of trafficking with psychosocial support, skills development, and educational workshops through accredited, funded Trafficking in Persons shelters.

In the Western Cape, people of different ages, genders, and backgrounds are affected. The most common cases involve sexual exploitation, forced labour, and domestic servitude. Traffickers exploit the fact that the province, and Cape Town in particular, attracts people seeking job opportunities. 

Individuals facing economic hardship, unemployment, family instability or other vulnerabilities are often targeted. Recruitment frequently occurs through people known to the victim, including acquaintances, intimate partners or family members, as well as through online platforms.

Reducing trafficking risk:

• Verify job offers through official channels before accepting them.
• Be cautious of opportunities that promise high salaries with little experience or require urgent travel.
• Never hand over identity documents or passports to recruiters or employers.
• Research companies and recruitment agencies thoroughly.
• Be careful about sharing personal information online and be wary of strangers who build trust quickly through social media or messaging platforms.
• Tell trusted family members or friends about travel or employment plans and keep regular contact with them.
• If something feels suspicious or too good to be true, seek advice before proceeding.
• Public awareness is one of the strongest tools in preventing Trafficking in Persons. 

Trafficking in Persons involves the act of selling, recruitment, transportation, delivery, transfer, exchange, leasing, harbouring or receipt of a person and can occur over international borders, or within the borders of a country. It is done by means of threats, force, coercion, by abusing a person’s position of vulnerability, abuse of power, fraud, abduction, kidnapping, deception, payments and is for the purpose of exploitation. 

Anyone who becomes aware of suspected trafficking can report it via the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 0800 222 777 or at the nearest police station.

Media Enquiries
Esther Lewis
Head of Communications
Department of Social Development
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za