Mysterious ‘help’ signs captured on Google Earth spark major concern online

Usually, Google Earth is used to look at familiar places—maybe your friend’s house or a bar you visited recently. But one spot has gotten a lot of attention online after people noticed strange ‘HELP’ messages in the dirt.

The words can be seen on Google Earth (Google Earth)

A lot in downtown Los Angeles recently went viral after someone shared a screenshot on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Google Earth images showed the word ‘HELP’ written multiple times in the dirt, along with ‘trafico’ and ‘LAPD.’ The post quickly went viral, leading to a surge of conspiracy theories about what was happening in the area.

LAPD Explains Mysterious 'Help' Messages Seen on Google Earth - Men's  Journal

Despite the worry online, police have not found any evidence of crimes connected to the ‘HELP’ signs. On Sunday, January 26, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to a call about trouble near the 101 Freeway and Mission Road. However, after investigating, they found no signs of criminal activity or danger. The LAPD also pointed out that the messages on Google Earth were from 2023 and said they had notified Union Pacific Railroad about the situation.

Man goes down and films mysterious site from Google Maps after 'help' signs  sparked huge concern - US News - LADbible

But when local news station KTLA sent a helicopter crew to the area, they found the messages were still visible on January 29. Some online users, driven by the viral theories, went to the location and found a group of homeless people nearby. One user, ‘LAguy310,’ claimed that a man named Jose had been writing the ‘HELP’ signs in the dirt for years.

The LAPD’s official account responded to these claims, saying, “We’ve had several different contacts with the individual you speak of. He has refused housing or a mental health evaluation.” They also confirmed there was no evidence of human trafficking.

Union Pacific also backed up this information, explaining that a man had been trespassing on their property and writing the messages. They confirmed that there was no evidence of any danger.

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