Weapon trafficking, Drug trafficking,.... but Human Trafficking?
Is this a form of Modern Day Slavery? It is unfortunate that on a daily basis hundreds of innocent people can be bought and sold in the black market. This organized crime is spreading all over the world and is growing very fast. Human Trafficking victims are subjected to force and fraud, for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labor. These victims may include both men and women, young children, as well as teenagers. Many of these victims are forced to work in prostitution or the sex entertainment industry. We fail to realize that human trafficking can also occur in the forms of labor exploitation such as janitorial work, restaruant work, or even migrant agricultural work.
The main goals and objectives of the Traffickers is to instill fear into their victims lives so they can keep them enslaved. Some of their techniques may be less obvious than others. Often the victims may get locked in to a hidden place and are not allowed out. They are threatened and violated by the traffickers.Traffickers end up isolating the innocent victims from friends and family and monitoring their lives. They confiscate their belongings such as passports and visas so they will not be able to get away. Or make excuses that they will be holding onto their money for "safe keeping." Also, the traffickers might verbally threaten the victims and tell them if they go and report the illegal activity; they might get imprisoned and deported back to their home country.
What has been done in the U.S.? In October 2000, the (TVPA) Trafficking Victims Protection Act made human trafficking a Federal crime. The main purpose of this law was to protect victims overseas from human trafficking and create an awareness. Also, it was enacted to protect and help victims and to rebuild their lives in the U.S. All traffickers will be prosecuted under Federal penalties.
The toll free hotline for human trafficking in the U.S. is 1-888-3737-888; or by email at NHTRC@PolarisProject.org. The (NHTRC) or Human Trafficking Resource Center operates 24 hours a day, everyday. This organization is committed to protecting victims of Human Trafficking in the U.S. It provides callers with a range of comprehensive services which may include: crisis intervention, urgent and non-urgent referrals, tip reporting, and comprehensive anti-trafficking resources and assistance for anyone interested and would like to help. Most importantly the NHTRC is able to raise awareness and contact community members and law enforcement to help any potential trafficking victims.
When we work together to fight an organized crime such as Human Trafficking, we raise awareness and aid to protect innocent victims.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Identity Theft Awarenss & Prevention
On a daily basis many people around the world become victims of online identity theft. With new and upcoming technology at people's hands, identity theft is at a rise more than ever before. In today's society it is popular for a person to access his or her personal information such as online bank accounts or tax statements from a lap top, desktop, or even a Smart phone.
The key element is to take charge and become aware of identity theft in order to prevent oneself from becoming a potential victim. There are many precautions and steps to acquire which aid in preventing identity theft. First of all, renewing credit reports is one of the best tools to help detect identity theft. A recommended website when checking credit history is htt://www.annualcreditreport.com.
Maintaining and keeping passwords on credit cards, debit cards, or any financial institutions is very important. This will help detect and prevent fraudulent transactions on a person's bank account. Passwords make it very hard for thieves to capture any online transactions or information from a person's account.
According to OnGuard Online, it is beneficial to become familiar with an online phishing attempt. Phishing is a scam where internet fraudsters send spam or pop-up messages luring unsuspected victims in providing personal and financial information. Therefore a person must stay cautious when opening up any attachments or downloading any files from an email. These emails could potentially be very malicious and end up corrupting an individual's entire operating system. The key is not to open up any pop-up messages asking for personal information. A website dedicated to reporting any phishing activity is at reportphishing@antiphishing.org.
According to OnGuard Online, "Malicious Software" or Malware includes viruses and spyware. Malware works to steal personal information, send spam, and commit fraudulent acitivities on a person's account. It is important to remain cautious when accesing any online websites or information because it could potentially be false. Criminals will create appealing websites, desirable downloads, and compelling stories luring people into links; which end up downloading Malware onto their operating system.
It is recomended to invest in an Anti-Virus or Anti-Spyware Software. Running an anti-virus or anti-spyware on a daily basis will help keep an operating system healthy. Also, it is wise to invest in security software which operates automatically. Anti-Virus Software protects computers from viruses which can eventually destroy a person's data. Viruses are known for slowing down operating systems and potentially causing them to crash.
Firewalls are very beneficial because they help keep online hackers from sending out an individual's personal information without his or her consent. Firewalls perform like a guard, blocking outside communication to avoid potential threats.
The key element is to take charge and become aware of identity theft in order to prevent oneself from becoming a potential victim. There are many precautions and steps to acquire which aid in preventing identity theft. First of all, renewing credit reports is one of the best tools to help detect identity theft. A recommended website when checking credit history is htt://www.annualcreditreport.com.
Maintaining and keeping passwords on credit cards, debit cards, or any financial institutions is very important. This will help detect and prevent fraudulent transactions on a person's bank account. Passwords make it very hard for thieves to capture any online transactions or information from a person's account.
According to OnGuard Online, it is beneficial to become familiar with an online phishing attempt. Phishing is a scam where internet fraudsters send spam or pop-up messages luring unsuspected victims in providing personal and financial information. Therefore a person must stay cautious when opening up any attachments or downloading any files from an email. These emails could potentially be very malicious and end up corrupting an individual's entire operating system. The key is not to open up any pop-up messages asking for personal information. A website dedicated to reporting any phishing activity is at reportphishing@antiphishing.org.
According to OnGuard Online, "Malicious Software" or Malware includes viruses and spyware. Malware works to steal personal information, send spam, and commit fraudulent acitivities on a person's account. It is important to remain cautious when accesing any online websites or information because it could potentially be false. Criminals will create appealing websites, desirable downloads, and compelling stories luring people into links; which end up downloading Malware onto their operating system.
It is recomended to invest in an Anti-Virus or Anti-Spyware Software. Running an anti-virus or anti-spyware on a daily basis will help keep an operating system healthy. Also, it is wise to invest in security software which operates automatically. Anti-Virus Software protects computers from viruses which can eventually destroy a person's data. Viruses are known for slowing down operating systems and potentially causing them to crash.
Firewalls are very beneficial because they help keep online hackers from sending out an individual's personal information without his or her consent. Firewalls perform like a guard, blocking outside communication to avoid potential threats.
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