Gina Heslop
Viral videos suggest that these could be tactics used by kidnappers and traffickers to target women. One popular theory is that the code “1F,” meaning “one female,” is used alongside these items as bait to lure women out of their cars.
In one video, a woman films a car with a wire attached to its door handle in a parking lot. The caption questions if it’s a joke and warns about potential kidnappings. Surprisingly, another car nearby is also shown with a wire wrapped around its handle.
Responding to these alarming videos, a man posted a TikTok explaining that zip-ties, wires, or threads on car doors are old tactics used to abduct women. The wire is twisted around the handle to make it harder to remove quickly, providing an opportunity for kidnappers to strike.
However, it’s important to maintain perspective. The “wire trick” was first mentioned in a Facebook post back in 2015.
Canadian police, where the post originated, confirmed that no kidnappings had occurred due to this tactic. Additionally, organizations fighting against human trafficking have not recognized the “wire trick” as a trend.
Some experts dismiss these social media warnings as urban legends or scare tactics. They emphasize that traffickers mainly operate online and target individuals they know, rather than strangers.
While it’s always crucial to be cautious and aware of our surroundings, it’s equally important not to let fear take over.
