Episode #15: Human Trafficking in a Modern, Tech-Driven World
It happens everywhere throughout the world, and touches the lives of billions someway, somehow. In this episode, Kelly and Doug speak with Kara Smith, an expert committed to the pursuit of hunting criminals worldwide. Learn with us about the myths and lies surrounding human trafficking, how to protect your kids from online attackers, and all about love bombing and security theater.
To report a potential human trafficking situation, or to receive personal help, call the Human Trafficking hotline: 1-888-373-7888
Kara shares stories on the various ways kids and adults alike end up trafficked, and shares ways to help ensure it never happens to you or your loved ones.
Other topics we covered:
- The domestic sex trafficking industry in the United States
- How platforms like OnlyFans can be used by sex traffickers
- The business world of human trafficking
- How law enforcement is trained to deal with trafficking
- All the places you might accidentally be perpetuating trafficking on the internet
- The concept of Security Theater
- Cybersecurity and safety with kids
- What is love bombing and why is it a red flag?
- How to talk to your kids about internet safety
- How to get your kids to talk to you about who they meet online
Kara Smith began her career as an intelligence analyst in the United States Air Force supporting critical missions spearheaded by the National Security Agency deploying to both Iraq and Afghanistan. Later she continued her intelligence career working with a specialized counter-terrorism unit within the FBI before she was recruited by DeliverFund a non-profit that combats human trafficking where she worked side-by-side with law enforcement and survivors as the former Chief of Analytics where she guided the organization’s strategic analysis and technological development that provided analysts, law enforcement, and private industry with the most up-to-date practices, methodologies, and tools in the fight against human trafficking. Her unique analytical capabilities and experience in combating counter-terrorism and human trafficking led her to open her own consulting firm where she provides expertise and guidance to her clients in the fields of, counter-human trafficking, intelligence, investigation methodology, curriculum development, and child safety.
During her spare time, Kara is known to disappear off the grid, opting for camping and hiking trips in areas without cellular coverage, far from the bustling pace of the modern world.
Connect with Kara:
Polaris Project: https://polarisproject.org/
Website: https://karasmithconsulting.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealkarasmith/
Connect with Doug and Kelly:
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon – your intuition.
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View the Transcript
Read the transcript for the episode.