Have you observed the most recent web trends? Strange water bottles on cars and bizarre drawings near houses are causing concern among women. Viral videos reveal that these are tactics employed by kidnappers and traffickers to target women. For instance, people interpret the code “1F” as “a woman,” and they use the water bottle as bait to lure women away from their cars.

In one video, a lady photographs a car in a parking lot with a cable wrapped around the door handle, questioning whether it’s a prank and warning that someone may be abducted. To her dismay, she spots another car with a similar wire hookup.

In reaction to these distressing films, a TikTok user said that connecting a zip tie, wire, or thread to a car door is a common tactic employed by would-be hijackers. He described it as “one of the oldest tricks in the world,” with the wire making speedy removal difficult and providing an opportunity for crooks to act.

@ice.lemon.water We thought it was a joke at first until we found the second one 😳 #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #scary #viral #trending #BoseAllOut ♬ Scary – Background Sounds

It’s crucial to keep your feet on the ground, however. In 2015, a Facebook post first mentioned the “wire trick”. Canadian police, who placed the message, stated that there had been no kidnappings using this approach. Anti-trafficking groups also do not consider it a widespread trend.

The head of the University of Toledo’s Institute for Human Trafficking and Social Justice has dismissed these social media warnings as “absurd,” claiming they are urban myths or scaremongering. Authorities warn that most traffickers operate online, targeting people they know rather than random strangers.

Being aware and careful is important, but fear should not overcome you. Stay educated, trust your instincts, and seek help if necessary. Working together, we can create a safer neighborhood for everyone.