By Charles Switzer
2:40pm PST, Jan 29, 2025
Disturbing 'Help' Messages Spark Wild Conspiracy Theories
Satellite images showing the words "HELP," "LAPD" and "FEDERAL" scrawled in debris on a vacant lot near downtown Los Angeles have ignited social media speculation.
Adding to the mystery, the word "trafico" was spotted, leading some users to theorize that the location could be linked to human trafficking. "A vacant lot near an overseas container facility.
Human trafficking is a real possibility here," one X user posted, fueling the online frenzy.
The eerie sight has drawn thousands of comments, with many demanding an immediate police investigation.
Here are four key takeaways from the mystery words.
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FaZe Clan Streamers Investigate and Get Chased Out
Los Angeles-based gaming collective FaZe Clan decided to take matters into their own hands, visiting the lot during a live-streamed investigation.
Rani Netz, Nick Fosco and Jason Nguyen arrived at the location on Sunday, January 26, hoping to uncover clues about the mysterious messages.
When they asked a passerby for an interview, they were abruptly told to "get out." As they tried to leave, a pack of dogs appeared chasing them from the scene. "They pulled up for answers and left in a full sprint — L.A. mysteries come with guard dogs now!" an X user joked.
Union Pacific Says It's a Hoax — But Questions Remain
Union Pacific Railroad, which owns the lot, has downplayed any sinister theories stating that a man has been trespassing on their property for over a year, repeatedly creating "misleading messages."
"No one was or is in danger," a company spokesperson told
The Sun. They insist that the writing is not linked to crime but rather the work of a lone individual with a history of leaving similar messages on nearby properties.
However, skeptics online remain unconvinced, pointing out the
unsettling nature of the words and their placement.
LAPD Identifies the Man Behind the Mystery
The
Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed that they are familiar with the trespasser responsible for the eerie messages. "We've had several different contacts with the individual you speak of," the department wrote on X, noting that he has refused both housing assistance and a mental health evaluation.
Authorities stressed that there is "no evidence of human trafficking," despite viral speculation.
The LAPD's statement has done little to calm social media sleuths, who continue to demand a deeper investigation.
Why Did the Images Resurface Now?
Google Earth and Google Maps captured the messages over a year ago, yet they are only now gaining widespread attention.
Google Street View from July 2023 also shows "HELP" written outside the lot, suggesting that the messages have been visible for some time. It remains unclear why the images suddenly went viral, though many believe the involvement of FaZe Clan's streamers contributed to the renewed buzz.
As theories continue to swirl, some are questioning whether the situation is truly resolved — or if there's more to the story than meets the eye.