Menu
Every January, the United States recognizes Human Trafficking Prevention Month, with January 11th marking Human Trafficking Awareness Day. It is a time to confront the reality of modern slavery in our communities, strengthen awareness, and take meaningful action to support survivors.
Human trafficking is often misunderstood. Many people imagine abductions or cross-border smuggling, but the truth is far more complex, and far closer to home. Trafficking does not require transportation; victims are often exploited within their own neighborhoods and even within their own homes.
The numbers reveal the scale and urgency of the issue.
Human trafficking is one of the largest criminal industries in the world. Globally, an estimated 27.6 million people live in conditions of modern-day slavery, including 6.3 million victims of sex trafficking and nearly 20 million in forced labor settings. It generates an estimated $236 billion annually, making it one of the most profitable criminal enterprises on the planet
The crisis is not just global — it is deeply rooted here at home.
An estimated 1,091,000 people in the United States are living in modern-day slavery on any given day.
In 2024, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received 32,309 reports, involving 21,865 victims, including 6,647 sex trafficking cases and 2,220 labor trafficking cases.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reports that 1 in 6 endangered runaways are likely sex trafficking victims, and online enticement reports have tripled in one year, reaching 546,000 cases in 2024.
Trafficking affects all demographics — every age, race, gender identity, and socioeconomic status. But traffickers deliberately target those who are vulnerable. Children in the welfare system, those experiencing homelessness, youth with trauma histories, undocumented migrants, individuals struggling with substance misuse, and those lacking stable support systems face significantly higher risk.
If you or someone you know is a victim of trafficking, the National Human Trafficking Hotline can provide the help you need.
Trafficking is not always violent on the surface. Traffickers manipulate victims through:
emotional and psychological abuse
false promises of love, stability, or opportunity
debt bondage
intimidation and threats
isolation from friends, family, and community
withholding money, documents, or basic necessities
These tactics create a cycle of dependency and fear, making escape extraordinarily difficult.
Runaway and homeless youth are especially targeted. Research shows that within 48 hours of being on the street, 1 in 3 runaway youth are approached by traffickers. Between 19 and 36 percent of homeless youth report experiences of trafficking, and young people fleeing foster care are at the highest risk of all.
When victims escape or are removed from trafficking situations, they often have nothing…not even a safe phone.
Yet a phone can be a lifeline. Survivors use mobile devices to:
contact advocates, law enforcement, or crisis services
stay connected with family or children
access shelter, counseling, transportation, and legal support
rebuild their independence
communicate securely without fear of trafficker monitoring
Access to a secure device is a simple resource with powerful impact.
Every year, organizations accumulate thousands of lost-and-found or property-and-evidence cell phones and other electronic devices. Many of these are never reclaimed. Instead of selling or discarding them, they can be transformed into critical tools for survivors.
911 Cell Phone Bank, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit, securely processes donated devices and provides them free of charge to law enforcement and victim service agencies supporting survivors of human trafficking.
Here’s why this matters:
Survivors often leave dangerous situations without their personal phones.
A safe, clean device helps them communicate without being tracked.
Devices are securely wiped using third-party verification software in accordance with DoD NIST 800-88 Rev. 1, and compliant with ISO 27001 and ISO 27040.
Donated phones support both safety and recovery by helping survivors take back control of their lives.
The program is 100 percent free, including shipping.
Your unused, outdated, or unclaimed devices — cell phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, and more — can directly support victims in crisis.
Human trafficking thrives in silence and invisibility. Raising awareness is only the first step. Taking action is what drives real change.
You can help today by donating:Unused personal devices
Unclaimed lost-and-found electronics
Property-and-evidence items eligible for release
Outdated organization-owned devices being retired
Each donated device becomes a tool of safety, connection, and hope for a survivor in need.
www.911cellphonebank.org
+866-290-7864
info@911cellphonebank.org
Clear your shelves. Support survivors. Make an impact that lasts long beyond January.
The 911 Cell Phone Bank is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works with law enforcement and victim service agencies to support survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. They accept a wide range of unclaimed electronic devices—cell phones, tablets, laptops, and more—and ensure each donation is handled securely and responsibly. The program is 100% free, including all shipping costs.
Donate your unused and unclaimed items today at www.911cellphonebank.org
Call +866-290-7864 or email info@911cellphonebank.org for more information.
#HumanTraffickingPreventionMonth #HTPM #WearBlueDay #911CellPhoneBank #911CPB #PhoneItForward #LostAndFound #OldPhonesNewPurpose #TechForGood #EwasteSolutions #DeviceDonation #SmartphoneRescue #SupportSurvivors #HumanTraffickingPrevention #endtrafficking #PhonesSaveLives #PurposeOverProfit #ESGSolutions #ESG #CSR #LostAndFound #LostAndFoundSolutions #Hospitality #Management #SecurityManagement #eWaste #Sustainability #Recycle #datasecurity #lawenforcement #police #propertyandevidence
911 Cell Phone Bank
2750 E Silver Springs Blvd
Ocala, FL 34470
© 2014-2025 The Charitable Recycling Foundation
The 911 Cell Phone Bank is an initiative of the Charitable Recycling Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (Tax ID 20-5050475).