What are the three main elements used to control trafficking victims?

• A. Force, Fraud, Exploitation
• B. Force, Coercion, Threats
• C. Force, Fraud, Coercion
• D. Fraud, Coercion, Deception

Answer: (C)

Trafficking victims are controlled through a three-part approach: Force, Fraud, and Coercion. Each element represents a distinct way traffickers keep someone under control. Force involves physical restraint or violence to prevent escape. Fraud is about deceiving the person with false promises about the job, conditions, or pay, so they agree to participate under false pretenses. Coercion covers threats or pressure—such as harm to the person or their family, debt bondage, or confiscation of documents—that compels continued exploitation.

This combination, Force, Fraud, and Coercion, is the standard framework used to describe how traffickers recruit, transport, and exploit victims and why it’s the best answer. Other options miss one of these essential components or substitute a related term without capturing the full pattern of control.