There is a new push to put an end to human trafficking in Orange County.

Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler says there has been an alarming increase in human trafficking, including sex trafficking in the county, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

Hoovler warns that his office is seeing more traffickers shift to the internet during the pandemic to lure young victims online through gaming apps and social media sites geared toward unsuspecting kids. 

He says there's also an increase in other forms of trafficking, including forced labor. 

Officials are hoping new anti-trafficking awareness efforts will help curb these crimes.

They are asking people to be aware of warning signs, which include a sudden change in behavior coupled with an unexplained change in lifestyle, and say – while not all the time - those most at risk have a history of abuse or poverty. 

Help is available through the Fearless Crisis Hotline at 845-562-5340 for victims or those who have loved ones who are human trafficking victims.