Perhaps recently, you might have come across alarming stories warning drivers about mysterious objects placed on their cars.

From water bottles to cash and even, rather humorously, a piece of cheese, these stories have become the talk of the town.

The sensational videos that accompany these tales suggest that encountering such items could signal a looming threat from traffickers or kidnappers, who might be lying in wait for you to attempt to remove these things, creating an opportunity for an abduction.

One of the latest viral videos features a woman in a parking lot, who recorded multiple cars with a wire coiled around their door handles.

With an ominous voiceover caption reading, “WTF is this a joke? Someone better not get kidnapped,” it is easy to see why this might alarm viewers.

There are claims suggesting that the woman’s concern was legitimate. The story goes that the placement of a wire, string, or zip-tie on a car door is a tactic frequently used by potential kidnappers. The idea is that the complication of unraveling the wire distracts the potential victim, giving criminals ample time to make their move. Some people indeed advise that if you find such things on your car, you should head quickly to a more populated area and seek assistance.

However, before you panic, it’s important to understand that there’s almost certainly nothing to fear. The “wire trick” rumor has its roots in a Facebook post from 2015. Law enforcement in the Canadian city where this was first mentioned found no evidence of abductions related to this so-called ploy. Moreover, groups dedicated to fighting sex trafficking have not recorded any incidents resembling the “wire trick” either.

A resurgence of these stories appeared four years later, echoing from areas like Texas and Michigan. In response, key figures, such as the Director of the Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute at the University of Toledo, Ohio, described these claims as “ridiculous.” Local police forces have also debunked these stories as “urban legends” or mere “scare-lore.”

For those wondering what real threats might look like, experts point out that traffickers often rely on digital means, using the internet as a major tool. Their targets are typically known individuals rather than strangers, making random car tricks unlikely and ineffective.

While caution is always wise, letting myths control your actions may lead you astray from viable concerns. Instead of worrying about strings on car handles, staying informed about actual risks and smart online practices is a better safeguard.