The Hidden Consequences: How Human Trafficking and Illicit Massage Businesses Affect Legitimate Therapy and Our Communities

Suzan D. Walker LMT 104331
Sep 8
3 min read

Updated: Sep 16

Human Trafficking is a problem in the suburbs of Arlington, Texas. Picture of people standing up against human trafficking in their area.g — Human Trafficking is a problem in the suburbs of Arlington, Texas. Picture of people standing up against human trafficking in their area.

Massage therapy can significantly improve lives by relieving stress, easing pain, and creating balance between body and mind. Nonetheless, as someone concerned about your well-being, I must highlight a significant issue affecting both your experience as a client and the dedicated, ethical massage therapists in Arlington, Texas, and its surrounding regions: the increasing presence of illicit massage businesses (IMBs) frequently linked to human trafficking.

These businesses not only harm the individuals caught up in them but also adversely affect legitimate massage therapy and the communities where they are located.

Understanding Illicit Massage Businesses

IMBs often disguise themselves as legitimate massage businesses but actually serve as fronts for illegal sexual activities. According to Polaris, there are over 9,000 IMBs in the U.S., generating billions in revenue each year. Many victims are women coerced into providing sexual services against their will. This situation creates confusion between legitimate massage businesses and fraudulent ones posing as such, making it challenging for clients like you to feel secure and for authentic therapists to establish trust within their communities.

Impact on Therapists and Your Community

When illegal businesses operate nearby:

Trust is shaken: Even licensed, ethical therapists can be unfairly viewed with suspicion.
Legitimate businesses struggle: Fewer clients mean less revenue and sometimes even risk of closing.
Neighborhoods are impacted: Higher crime rates, lower property values, and strain on local services are all common in areas with multiple IMBs.

Numerous communities across Texas have encountered hundreds of IMBs, leading local authorities to step in to protect both victims and residents.

Ways to Safeguard Yourself and Promote Ethical Massage Practices

To avoid uncertainty about the legitimacy of a massage business, here are some indicators to look for in reputable massage establishments.

Current State License & Photo: The therapist should display both a valid license and a recent photo so you know you’re seeing a verified professional.
Clean, Professional Facilities: Well-kept treatment rooms and waiting areas show care and professionalism.
Transparent Pricing & Services: Clear descriptions of services, rates, and cancellation policies.
Professional Staff: Licensed massage therapists in professional attire who behave respectfully.
Focus on Therapy Only: Legitimate massage is about wellness not sexual services.

⚠️ Warning Signs of Potentially Illegal Businesses

Extremely low rates or frequent “too-good-to-be-true” discounts
Hidden entrances or discreet locations, often near other adult-oriented businesses
Inappropriate or suggestive behavior from staff
No paperwork or will avoid having you complete paperwork mandated by the State.
No posted licenses or qualifications
Limited or vague online information
Cash-only payments with no receipts
A "handler" that will monitor or be the go between the therapist and yourself.
Draping only required for women but not for men.
Sessions significantly shortened due to being a female
Quoted one price but charged a different one at the end of the session without discussing it first

Recognizing these signs enables you to make safe decisions and support ethical massage therapists in your community.

What You Can Do

Choose licensed, reputable therapists: Your support reinforces ethical practices.
Speak up: If something feels off, report suspicious activity to local authorities.
Spread awareness: Educate friends and family about how to identify legitimate massage therapy and the dangers of IMBs.

Information to Report Sex Trafficking in your area:

Report human and sex trafficking to the National Sex Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or file a report https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en/report-trafficking.
Tarrant County Human Trafficking Task Force: https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/en/sheriff/operations-bureau/criminal-investigations/human-trafficking.html
Report a business suspected of human trafficking to TDLR: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/anti-trafficking-team/
Report suspected businesses to your local police department

It is important to note that the phrase “Asian Massage” is not a recognized or legitimate massage therapy practice or technique. Rather, it is a fetishized term that has been used in ways that are both racist and harmful. The use of this label perpetuates stereotypes of Asian women as submissive or sexually available, which not only disrespects their personhood but also contributes to broader systems of exploitation and human trafficking. Recognized massage therapy practices are grounded in legitimate training, cultural traditions, and professional ethics, and should not be conflated with language rooted in fetishization or racial bias.

Massage therapy should be a safe, restorative experience. By being informed, choosing licensed therapists, and staying aware of warning signs, you’re not only protecting yourself but you’re also helping ethical massage professionals thrive and making your community safer. Together, we can ensure that massage therapy remains a trusted and valued service for everyone.