413047-Underground-Commercial-Sex-Economy

7.1 presents the percentage of respondents that reported using each advertising medium (they are not
mutually exclusive).
Table 7.1 Advertisement Methods
Method Frequency Key Features
Online advertisement 49% (n = 36)
Online classifieds 49% (n = 36)
Attract higher-paying clients; enable customers to be
screened; greater risk of law enforcement stings
Common sites include Backpage.com, Eros.com,
Redbook.com, Craigslist.com, CityVibe.com, SoWet.com,
and SeekingArrangements.com
Personal/business websites 10% (n = 7)
Social media or discussion boards 11% (n = 8)
Stroll 40% (n = 29)
Word of mouth and referrals 40% (n = 29)
Allow pimps to build a customer base, network with other
pimps, and charge a fee to advertise other businesses
Used to recruit sex workers and solicit customers; more
difficult for law enforcement to monitor or infiltrate
Areas where pimps, sex workers, and johns can find one
another with relative ease; constant demand; higher
security risk
Information regarding the employees, prices, and location is
spread through social networks as a way of screening
potential clients; reduces the risk of law enforcement
detection
Local newspapers, alternative newspapers,
phonebooks
23% (n = 17)
Similar to online advertisements; allows interaction with
clients prior to initiating a transaction
Business cards 23% (n = 17)
Establishments 23% (n = 17)
Offer fake services as a cover; used as a networking tool;
useful when traveling to new cities
Employees approach possible clients in bars, hotels, clubs,
malls, parking lots, and schools
Online Advertisement
Online advertisement have substantially impacted the field of sex trafficking. Forty-nine percent of
respondents reported using some form of Internet platform to connect with clients, whether through
advertisements, personal or business websites, or social media outlets. Online advertisements were
reportedly more lucrative than other methods because they connected businesses with higher-paying
clients. Respondents also referenced the high visitor traffic on social media and advertisement websites.
Respondents noted that the Internet made the UCSE significantly safer for its participants. The Internet
allowed pimps and employees to interact with prospective clients before committing to a transaction,
providing opportunities to verify identity and ask additional questions. It also removed some of the
physical dangers associated with street work:
Over the years, the Internet became an easier way to get money without having to take so
many chances as far as injury or assholes on the outside. You never know what happens
at night—a lot of creeps come out. The Internet was a safe haven for everybody. A guy
calls and comes to a location where the girl and you are comfortable. Or you go to a
location where he gives you an address and you know where to go to. It’s modern day.
(E3)
While respondents noted that the Internet made the UCSE significantly safer, pimps also recognized
trade-offs with online classified advertisements. By providing an easy route for anonymous
communication between pimps, sex workers, and customers, the Internet also presents ample
opportunity for law enforcement to track advertisements and set up stings. In an effort to elude law
enforcement, pimps used code words like “roses, clean your apartment, or donations” to communicate
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