Authorities recently debunked a social media conspiracy theory in which users believed human trafficking was occurring out of a Los Angeles shipping container yard due to chilling "HELP" signs discovered around the location.

Viral posts suggest Google Maps imagery shows a human trafficking plea in L.A., but police say there's no evidence of nefarious activity.

Social media users worried about a human trafficking ring when downtown Los Angeles messages spelled out in building materials were seen by satellite. But the LAPD says it's

Social media users have noted satellite imagery showing the words "HELP" and "TRAFICO" etched into the ground at a rail yard in Los Angeles.

Large HELP and TRAFICO signs near Cesar Chavez Ave in LA stir fears of trafficking or protests over displacement.

Huston Hughes, 37, who was on active parole for pimping, was arrested for the alleged sexual battery of a teenage girl in Long Beach, police said.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Announces Three Felony Charges in Commercial Sexual Exploitation Crimes During Human Trafficking Prevention Month

🔥🚨BREAKING NEWS: This disturbing message was spotted on Google Maps in Los Angeles, California, with the words “Help” and “Traffico” written in the debris, surrounded by shipping containers. It has been confirmed that the lot next to this location is a shipping yard which has… pic.twitter.com/swvBnSogXu

The couple was arrested in October 2023 after neighbors saw Lantz lock the oldest girl and her teenage brother in a shed and leave the property. A deputy used a crowbar to get them out.

Internet users have been shocked by the discovery of large words visible on Google Maps which include 'HELP', 'LAPD', 'FEDERAL', and 'TRAFICO'. Ok so apparently Jose is writing all the HELP signs and the dog is named SUS…a boy named SUS pic.twitter.com/ffkzkkLGwM

It seemed likely law enforcement had been aware of the messages, as one Google Street View scene shows a Los Angeles County Sheriff's vehicle passing the billboard with words daubed on it that include 'HELP' and 'FBI'.