ALARMING images of the word “help” spelled out in an empty lot have sparked horrifying conspiracy theories – but cops revealed the truth behind the disturbing messages. An area

Police say there is no evidence of trafficking or criminal activity after messages written with pipes and wood went viral on social media.

The mystery behind viral satellite images showing the word "HELP" in an empty downtown Los Angeles lot has been solved. The words have been appearing for more than a year.

The Los Angeles area spotted on Google Maps is next to a shipping yard. Members of an adventure group who explored the area were chased away by ferocious dogs.

Located at the intersection of Cesar Chavez Avenue and Mission Road, the messages were spelled out in apparent construction debris and read “Help,” “LAPD,” and “Trafico.” There are also signs that appear to spell out “Federal,” “FBI,” and something related to terrorism.

🔥🚨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

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

Today’s edition of quick hits.

Our Ask Chris columnist goes looking for the earliest golden arches in the city. Send your questions about L.A. to [email protected]

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.

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