Victims of human trafficking do not immediately end up in captivity—they often fall into this trap unknowingly, guided by trust, love or hope for a better life. One of the most common threats we may encounter is the so-called loverboy—a man who makes someone fall in love with him, promises a future together and a trip abroad, and then sells his “girlfriend” like a commodity. Every year, such stories also happen in Poland—in large and small towns, among young people looking for love and a chance for a better future.

He was supposed to be a fairytale prince…

She was young and certain that it was love. He was somewhat older and had completely different plans for her. He drove an expensive car and talked about how wonderful life was abroad. He treated her like a princess. Flowers, gifts, trips together. He said they could start a new life in another country. He promised a well-paid job, accommodation and a future together. She had no reason not to trust him. Until the time came to leave, when everything changed. Her documents were taken away. He disappeared. She was left alone—forcibly made to do work she had never wanted.

Who is a “loverboy”?

A “loverboy” is often someone from the same town. He returns from abroad and presents a vision of success and a better future. He is usually charming and attentive, perfectly matching his victim’s dreams. He most often “hunts” for young girls—especially those seeking acceptance or dreaming of escaping a small town. He builds a relationship that at first glance looks like true love, but is actually planned manipulation.

Cases of this kind happen more often than we think. Loverboys appear both in small towns and in large cities. They often know their victims from local communities or contact them through social media. Their method is always similar—first they shower their victim with affection and make her emotionally dependent on them. Then they entice her with an offer of a shared trip abroad, and finally, without scruples, sell her, for example, to a brothel.

What should concern you?

  • An excessively fast pace of the relationship—if someone talks about love, a shared future and trips very quickly, this should put you on alert.
  • Pressure to travel—if someone urges you to go abroad and does not let you take time to think about it, be careful.
  • A lack of specific information about the trip—if you cannot verify the employer, accommodation or travel details, be careful; it may be a trap.
  • A reluctance to contact your family or friends—if someone isolates you and says that they are the only person who cares about you, it may be a warning sign.

How can you protect yourself?

  • Always leave your family or friends the full details of the person you are travelling with.
  • Give your loved ones the address of your accommodation and workplace.
  • Before leaving, agree on a safe code word with your loved ones—if you feel threatened, simply say the word over the phone and they will know that something is wrong.
  • Save the contact details of the Polish embassy or consulate.
  • Make a photocopy of your documents.
  • If something starts to worry you, it is better to withdraw.

Why are we talking about this?

#TwojeŻycieTwojaKarta is a campaign we are running together with the La Strada Foundation. Through it, we want to raise awareness of how easily someone can fall into the trap of human trafficking. We often think that such things happen “somewhere far away” and “to someone else.” Meanwhile, anyone can become a victim, regardless of age or place of residence. That is why we want to warn, educate and help.

#TwojeŻycieTwojaKarta—choose it wisely.

More about the campaign: The #TwojeŻycieTwojaKarta campaign launches—a joint initiative of the Police and the La Strada Foundation against human trafficking

Text: Agnieszka Włodarska/ BKS KGP
Film: junior inspector Tomasz Lis/ BKS KGP