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Hagar International

INTRODUCTION

Hidden in Plain Sight – A Video Campaign for Hagar International

Human trafficking is no longer a distant problem—it’s reaching us directly through the phones in our pockets. Scammers, often victims of trafficking themselves, are forced to send fraudulent messages, weaving a thread of connection between their suffering and the day-to-day lives of those they scam. This intersection of trafficking, scamming, and technology has created an urgent moment in time—a moment impossible to ignore.

Scamming has grown into a $3 trillion industry, fueled by the ubiquity of cryptocurrency, economic instability, and a hyperconnected global population. In Cambodia alone, organized crime syndicates operating scam compounds generate an estimated $14 billion annually. Victims, often recruited under false promises of legitimate work, are stripped of their passports, forced into horrific conditions, and subjected to violence if they fail to meet quotas. For many, escape is only possible if a ransom—sometimes as high as $70,000—is paid.

PARTNERSHIP

Partnering with Hagar to Shine a Light

At Takt, we knew we could make a difference. We reached out to Hagar International, a global organization dedicated to combatting human trafficking, and proposed creating a pro-bono video to drive awareness and donations. Our pitch: a split-screen concept titled Hidden in Plain Sight that juxtaposes the life of a scam victim with the person they’re forced to scam.

STORY DEVELOPMENT

A Day in Two Lives

The video follows two characters: on the left, a South Asian scam victim trapped in a compound; on the right, a North American woman living an aspirational life. The split-screen highlights stark contrasts: the victim sleeps on the floor, washes with a rag, and works under constant fear, while the North American enjoys fruit smoothies, a full makeup routine, and a bike ride to work.

At the story’s climax, the victim makes her move, sending a text about crypto investing. The viewer suddenly realizes the scammer is acting under duress—a forced participant in this global crisis. The video closes with powerful statistics, such as:

80% of text-based scams exploit human trafficking victims.
Over 2.5 million people in Southeast Asia are trapped in forced labor.

BTS


The final cuts are stunning! The team did a beautiful job making this clear, easy to follow, and captivating. Thank you for all your hard work. I am speechless and cannot wait to release this!

Amie Gosselin, Fundraising + Communications—Hagar USA

PRODUCTION

Making It Happen

Bringing this story to life required immense collaboration and dedication. Two local actors graciously volunteered their time, while filming locations, including a commercial building under renovation, were carefully selected to replicate the conditions described in reports from scam compounds. Wardrobe and set design reflected the grim reality of these operations, contrasting sharply with the polished world of the North American character.


RESULTS

Impact + Awareness

Hidden in Plain Sight is more than just a video—it’s a call to action. As part of Hagar’s broader initiative to combat trafficking, it aims to inspire viewers to learn, donate, and act. By visiting Hagar’s campaign page, audiences can join the fight against forced scamming and human trafficking.

Also, a big thanks to our incredible talent, Proud Channara and Anabel Blesch who generously donated their time and talents to project.

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