Recently, unsettling “help” messages have been discovered on Google Maps in Los Angeles, sparking widespread concern. These messages, constructed from materials like old pipes and discarded wood, are visible in satellite imagery of an abandoned plot near the Union Pacific railroad yard, adjacent to a shipping container area and a known homeless encampment. ([The Tab](https://thetab.com/2025/01/27/ominous-help-messages-carved-into-ground-in-la-mysteriously-discovered-on-google-maps?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
The messages include the words “help,” “Traffico,” “LAPD,” and “Federal,” leading some to speculate about potential human trafficking activities. ([wideopencountry.com](https://www.wideopencountry.com/creepy-help-messages-found-on-google-maps-in-la-has-internet-on-edge/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
However, further investigation suggests a less sinister explanation. Local residents report that a man named José, who has been experiencing homelessness in the area, has been creating these messages. One resident mentioned that José “needs help himself.” ([The Tab](https://thetab.com/2025/01/27/ominous-help-messages-carved-into-ground-in-la-mysteriously-discovered-on-google-maps?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
While the exact motivations behind José’s actions remain unclear, it’s evident that these messages are a form of personal expression rather than a cry for help from victims. Nonetheless, the discovery highlights the ongoing challenges faced by homeless individuals in Los Angeles and the importance of community support and intervention.
For those interested in viewing the location, the coordinates are approximately 34°03’18.0″N 118°13’30.0″W. ([wideopencountry.com](https://www.wideopencountry.com/creepy-help-messages-found-on-google-maps-in-la-has-internet-on-edge/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
