Grooming at the Mall
Predators and traffickers often go to shopping malls and pose as peers or friends of their parents that live nearby, in order to quickly connect.
“Hey, kids! I’m your mom’s friend, Doug. I just saw her pull up outside. She’s waiting at the curb to pick you up. “
They often use luring tactics to get children and teens out of the mall and into the parking lot, where they can quickly snatch them and drive away.
“Wait, that guy isn’t Maria’s friend, I grew up with her and I’ve never seen him before. Something is wrong here.”
Often, they’ll make a move to bring your child to another location, even drugging your children, then arranging to have them transported to be trafficked.