Have you seen the latest online trends? Women are finding unusual water bottles on their cars or discovering strange markings near their homes, which is causing concern. Viral videos suggest that these may be methods used by kidnappers and traffickers to target women. For example, the code “1F” is believed to mean “a woman,” with the water bottle serving as bait to lure women away from their vehicles.
In one video, a woman films a car in a parking lot with a cable around the door handle, wondering if it’s a joke and warning that someone could be kidnapped. To her horror, another car is shown with a similar cable setup.
In response to these disturbing videos, a man on TikTok has explained that attaching a zip tie, wire or thread to a car door is an old trick used by would-be hijackers. He describes it as “one of the oldest tricks in the world,” where the wire makes quick removal difficult and gives criminals an opening to act.
It’s important to keep your feet on the ground, though. The “wire trick” first appeared in a Facebook post in 2015. Canadian police, who posted the post, have confirmed that there have been no kidnappings associated with this method. Anti-trafficking organizations also do not see it as a prevailing trend.
The director of the University of Toledo’s Institute for Human Trafficking and Social Justice has dismissed these social media warnings as “absurd,” calling them urban myths or scaremongering. Authorities point out that traffickers generally operate online and target people they are familiar with, not random strangers.
@ice.lemon.water We thought it was a joke at first until we found the second one 😳 #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #scary #viral #trending #BoseAllOut
While it is always advisable to remain alert and cautious, it is important not to let fear overwhelm you. Stay informed, trust your instincts, and get help if you need it. By working together, we can build a safer community for everyone.