Google Maps users spot eerie 'Help' messages in Los Angeles. Then, the LAPD revealed what it was.

The massive wildfires near Los Angeles wreaked havoc leaving hundreds of thousands displaced and  heartbreaking stories showed its impact. Amidst them, a disturbing discovery surfaced from the scorched land. Massive, mysterious messages that read "HELP" and "TRAFICO" have been spotted next to the Union Pacific railroad yard at the E Cesar Chavez Ave and Mission Rd crossroads. Google Maps also displays these words, which have sparked widespread speculation. Many have speculated that these might be the victims of human trafficking, a quiet cries. Others are asking whether this is a call for help or a mystery that has to be solved.

Curiosity and concern prompted a Twitter user named LA Guy to visit the area himself. In a series of posts, he presented his findings, which sparked additional questions. In one video, he said, "I honestly don't know if this is just kids fooling around, or something real, but you can get into the yard through [...] a hole in the fence. I just like to believe this is a prank. If you're writing that, everybody sees you. It seems to me like it's just a bunch of kids playing a prank." A resident who thought the messages were left by homeless people was questioned by LA Guy in another video, along with a woman who had a similar opinion.

The woman said, "[José's] the one who puts it (help) all the time. He writes it everywhere [...] it's been years." But she admitted she had no idea why he was writing the messages. In a January 27 update, LA Guy revealed he might have tracked down a phone number for José, potentially bringing him one step closer to the truth. He said, "I have what MIGHT be his phone number. If it’s not I’m still gonna track him down via those homeless people." The mystery became even more complex when streamers Jason Nguyen, Nick Fosco, and Rani Netz went live with their inquiry on January 26. They ventured into the creepy location and tried to talk to a bystander, but were greeted with a direct order to leave.

As they hurried away, a pack of dogs suddenly chased them. The origin of the mysterious messages remained unanswered. Despite the online buzz, Union Pacific Railroad, that owns the property, dismissed any sinister theories, stating that trespassing is the only crime occurring on the lot. However, a Union Pacific Police Department spokesperson said, "Photos circulating on Google Maps that show the word 'help' on Union Pacific property were created about a year ago. No one was or is in danger." Union Pacific stated that an individual illegally entered the property to leave behind the deceptive messages.

As reported by The Sun, the person said, "We want to remind the public that it is illegal - and more importantly unsafe - to trespass on Union Pacific property." Cops also revealed that the same individual who trespassed on the Union Pacific lot had also left similar messages on neighboring properties. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed on Monday that they were aware of the man behind the unsettling signs. Additionally, it was discovered that even in a Google Street View footage from July 2023, the word "HELP" was visible on the pavement outside the property.