Behind the scam: Restoring human dignity and hope for survivors of trafficking

By Sister Abby Avellino, MM *

Human trafficking continues to take new forms. As technology advances, traffickers also adapt, using social media, online platforms, and deceptive recruitment strategies to exploit people seeking better opportunities. A job offer that promises hope and a future can become a pathway into fear, abuse, and exploitation.

Ayu’s[1] story is one example of this painful reality. Ayu left Indonesia after accepting what she believed was a real job offer from a trusted friend, only to become a victim of human trafficking in the Philippines. She was trafficked into an online scam compound, where she was forced to work under constant fear, with armed guards making escape nearly impossible. She witnessed many others endure threats, violence, and emotional abuse before she was rescued through the collaboration of the Talitha Kum networks in Indonesia and the Philippines, together with the International Justice Mission (IJM), and began her journey of healing. Today, she is a survivor advocate, using her voice to expose the reality of human trafficking and help prevent others from experiencing the same exploitation.

Her experience reveals a painful reality hidden behind the digital world. Behind every fraudulent message, fake investment scheme, or online scam, there may be a person whose freedom has been taken away, a woman or man deceived by false promises, trafficked across borders, and forced by criminal networks to carry out illegal activities.

On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2026, the theme “Trapped Behind the Scam” invites us to look beyond the screen and recognize the human beings hidden behind online crimes.

Many people trapped in scam compounds are not criminals. They are victims of trafficking whose dignity, freedom, and dreams have been stolen.

As Talitha Kum, the global network of Catholic Sisters committed to ending human trafficking and all forms of exploitation, we stand with survivors and walk with them toward healing, justice, and restoration. We listen to their stories, accompany their journeys, and affirm the dignity that no form of exploitation can take away.

This mission reflects the call of Pope Leo XIV in his Encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, [2]reminding us that human dignity must remain at the center of every social, economic, and technological development. Work is not only a way to earn a living; it is an expression of human dignity, participation in God’s creative work, and a contribution to the common good.

Today, digital transformation and artificial intelligence offer great possibilities for humanity. Yet technology must always serve the human person. It must never become a tool that diminishes people to instruments of profit or exploitation.

The reality of forced criminality in scam operations is a grave violation of the dignity of work. Trafficked persons are deprived of their freedom, their abilities are exploited, and their humanity is denied. They are treated as commodities rather than as persons created in the image and likeness of God.

At Talitha Kum, we continue to denounce trafficking for forced criminality as a grave violation of human dignity. Our response goes beyond rescue. Through prevention, survivor accompaniment, partnership, and advocacy. We work with communities, governments, international organizations, civil society, and young people to address the root causes of trafficking and create pathways toward freedom and hope. Young people are deeply connected to the digital world, which creates both opportunities and new risks of manipulation and exploitation. For this reason, prevention and education are essential. Yet young people are not only vulnerable; they are also part of the solution. With their creativity, energy, and influence among their peers, they can become leaders in promoting awareness and building a culture of prevention. By walking alongside and empowering them with knowledge, values, and responsibility, we recognize their capacity to protect themselves and others within their communities. We are inspired by the commitment of the Talitha Kum Youth Ambassadors, who raise awareness among their peers and promote a digital culture built on truth, solidarity, responsibility, and respect for human dignity.

In 2025, the Talitha Kum global network reached more than 1.2 million people through prevention, protection, advocacy, networking, and survivor accompaniment. Behind every number is a person: a survivor regaining freedom, a young person leading change, a family finding hope, or a community choosing solidarity. This impact is made possible by the dedication of thousands of Catholic Sisters, priests, young leaders, survivor advocates, and partners worldwide who transform compassion into concrete action.

However, many challenges remain, and our work is more urgent than ever. Survivors continue to face difficult journeys as they rebuild their lives and seek opportunities for a safer, more stable future. As one young survivor from Africa shared: “At the moment, my main challenge is that I do not have a job or any stable activity to support myself. I am trying my best to find opportunities and rebuild my life.”

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His words remind us that human trafficking is not only a criminal act; it is also a violation of human dignity that reveals deeper social and economic inequalities requiring our collective response.

Freedom from exploitation is only the beginning. Survivors need opportunities, accompaniment, supportive communities, and hope to fully rebuild their lives and dignity.

On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, may we commit ourselves to uncovering what is hidden behind the scam, listening to the voices of survivors, and defending the dignity of every person who has been exploited. May we continue building a world where technology serves humanity, work restores dignity, and no one is ever treated as a commodity.

Together, let us weave networks of hope, peace, freedom, and justice, so that every person may live with the dignity, protection, love, and peace they deserve.

* Sr. Abby Avelino, MM, is the International Coordinator of Talitha Kum

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[1] The survivor’s name has been changed to protect her identity.

[2] Pope Leo XIV, “Safeguarding Humanity at a Time of Transformation”, Magnifica Humanitas (148-156).https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html