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Parents voice human trafficking concerns in Green Country

Posted at 6:41 PM, Sep 26, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-27 10:15:32-04

TULSA -- Social media posts are swirling around Green Country with parents warning the public about alleged human trafficking attempts.

Two Works For You spoke with Tulsa police about these posts. Officers say they have not received any legitimate reports of abduction attempts.

Police say in today's society, predators don't typically snatch kids off the street, they look for them online.

They'll start by messaging children from broken homes, or publicly post about being angry with their parents, or having a problem at school.

Police say it'll escalate, and the predator will give them affection and attention, and eventually buy them gifts.

"They look for the kids who are already feeling neglected, usually they’ll go online," said Corporal Trace Zeller, with Tulsa Police.

Experts at The Demand Project have been fighting human trafficking in Green Country since 2013.

They say parents should talk to their kids about connecting with strangers online. They say parents should look out for their kids if they start showing unusual anger about not being on the internet, or receive unexpected gifts.

They are planning on opening a facility in 2019 that will provide resources and housing for nearly 60 human trafficking victims. You can find more information about their mission on their website.

There are also different apps parents can download to watch what your kids are posting and tracking where they are, including Life 360, and MM Guardian.

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