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So how does it happen? Fraudulent or coercive debt is established when the victim’s identity is stolen by their traffickers, or they are forced to open a credit card in their own name and pay for items or services that support their trafficking such as cellphones, hotel rooms and transportation. This fraud stays with the survivor long after they’ve escaped, overburdening them and often taking them by surprise. Survivors cannot get credit, a job, or safe housing, thereby drastically impeding their recovery.