The year is 2023, and yet a legend from 2004 , the so-called ' note on the rear window ' hoax, seems to persist in our digital networks. Just recently, on June 12, 2023, this infamous chain letter was republished on Facebook and was shared almost 35,000 times in a very short time. We ourselves reported on this in detail HERE .

Hoaxes like the 'note on the rear window' are neither new nor rare.
How a hoax originates and spreads: An analysis : They cleverly exploit people's fears and concerns, often mixed with a dash of plausibility that gives them a certain credibility. They exploit the dynamics of social media and human networks, where speed often trumps accuracy and “sharing” is often a matter of seconds. Combined with the innate need to protect friends and family, it creates an almost irresistible force that spreads these stories widely.
'The Note on the Rear Window' Hoax in Detail: Myths and Realities
The 'The note on the rear window' hoax is a dangerous method that car thieves allegedly use to steal vehicles. The hoax states that thieves place a note on the rear window of a car in the hope that the driver will get out to remove the note, leaving the vehicle unlocked. But is this really a common practice among car thieves or just an urban legend? To date, there are no widespread reports confirming this particular method.
Claims and fact check on the hoax 'The note on the rear window'
| claim | Fact check |
|---|---|
| Car thieves use this method widely. | There are no widespread reports confirming that car thieves use this specific method. This hoax is based on an urban legend and has no basis in reality. |
| Putting a paper on the rear window is suspicious. | Placing a paper on the rear window does not necessarily indicate a fraudulent or dangerous situation. There can be many reasons why a paper sticks to the rear window of a car, such as a forgotten shopping list or a promotional flyer. It is important to remain calm and assess the situation appropriately rather than automatically assuming it is an attempted theft. |
| You should get out immediately and remove the paper. | It is advisable to be careful and monitor your surroundings when exiting or entering a car. However, if a piece of paper sticks to the rear window, it is not necessary to get out and remove it immediately. Particularly in unsafe environments, you should remain in your vehicle and assess the situation appropriately before acting. |
| Removing the paper will result in the vehicle remaining unlocked. | Removing a piece of paper from the rear window does not automatically result in the vehicle remaining unlocked. It is the driver's responsibility to lock the vehicle properly, regardless of whether there is any documentation or not. It is important to always ensure that the vehicle is properly locked when leaving the vehicle to avoid theft. |
| The hoax was passed on by trusted government officials. | It is possible that the hoax was forwarded in good faith by people, including government officials, without verifying the facts. It highlights the importance of thinking critically about information and checking its sources before passing it on. It is important to look for trustworthy and verified sources to avoid spreading misinformation. |
Security awareness versus unfounded fear: A fine balance
Caution and attention are always required, especially when getting in and out. However, specific warnings like these often spread unnecessary fear and can lead to legitimate warnings being taken less seriously. Being safe does not mean living in constant fear, but rather being informed and aware.
What you can do: Identify and prevent the spread of hoaxes
Be critical when reviewing information, especially if it could cause fear or panic. Before sharing information, take the time to review the source and critically examine the content. Your actions can help prevent unnecessary fear and limit the spread of misinformation. Each of us plays an important role in the digital information landscape. Be responsible and share wisely.
Conclusion
This hoax pops up again and again. However, this warning remains a hoax and should not be spread further! Caution is advised in all areas of life, but false reports can cause more panic than help.
Also read: If you find a bank note under the windshield wiper, your life is in danger.
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )

