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.

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

Locals in Los Angeles have offered an explanation for the disturbing messages found written on the ground that sent the internet into a conspiracy spiral

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

LAPD has debunked the human trafficking conspiracy theories linked with the viral mysterious ‘help’ messages in Google Maps visuals.

The Long Beach cases were announced just days after LA County prosecutors said three men had been tied to sexual exploitation along the Figueroa Corridor in Los Angeles.

The satellite images showed the words "HELP," TRAFICO," and "LAPD," which can still be seen by plugging in the coordinates 34°03’18’N 118°13’30’W on Google Earth. The location is a lot owned by Union Pacific, situated near several major roads and freeways, and right next to the Cesar Chavez Bridge.

The task force will combine resources from federal, state and local agencies to root out sexual and labor-related exploitation, authorities said.

Ominous “HELP” messages carved onto debris in Los Angeles and spotted on Google Maps have raised alarm among social media users.

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

Disturbing messages asking for help have been spotted in Los Angeles and have been visible on Google Maps for years.