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 .

Ten-year hoax “The note on the rear window” returns: Myths and facts
Screenshot: Facebook, June 2023

GERMAN : GOOD TO KNOW Coincidentally for everyone who hasn't heard of it yet.
Last week I parked in the Auchan parking lot. As I was leaving I noticed a piece of paper on the back window. When I picked it up (when I got home) I saw it was a gas bill. Good thing one of my friends told me not to stop because someone could have waited for me to get out of my car…. After Strasbourg, this technology comes all over France.
Pay attention to the papers stuck to the back window of your car. New way to steal a car (no joke!) You go to the parking lot, open your car and get in. You start the engine and use reverse gear. When you look through the rear window to reverse, you notice a paper stuck in the middle. You stop and get out of your car to remove the paper (or something else) because it's blocking your view. When you reach the back of the car, the car thief appears out of nowhere.
He gets in the car and drives away. He practically runs over you when he walks at high speeds. AND guess what?
I bet your wallet or purse is still in the car. So now the car thief has your car, your address, money, keys. So your home and your identity are compromised! They are very well organized, many drivers were tricked this way. If you see a paper on the back of your car, lock your car doors, pull away and drive off. You can remove the paper later. Please forward this email to your family and friends. A portfolio contains many important documents and identification. You definitely don't want this to fall into the wrong hands. Please forward this message to all your friends.


FRENCH : BON À SAVOIR A tout hasard pour ceux qui n'en auraient pas encore entendu parler.La semaine dernière, je me suis garé sur le parking d'Auchan.
When I'm suis parti, I'll remember a paper on the glass. Heureusement qu'un de mes amis m'avait dit de ne pas m'arrêter, car quelqu'un aurait pu attendre que je sorte de ma voiture…. After Strasbourg, this technique arrives across France. Attention aux papers collés sur la fenêtre arrière de votre voiture.
Nouvelle manière pour les vols de voitures (ce n'est pas une plaisanterie !) You marchez sur le parking, ouvrez votre voiture et rentrez dedans.
You start the engine and start the march.
If you look at your glass for the fair march, you remember a paper collé au milieu. You have arrived, sorted out your car to pick up the paper (or else) in the car you have blocked the view. When you atteignez l'arrière de la voiture, c'est là que le voleur de voiture apparaît de nulle part.
The rent is in the car and in vain. Your wheel is practically dessus en partant à greate vitesse.
ET devinez quoi? Je parie que votre portfolio ou sac à main est encore dans la voiture.
Donc, maintenant, the voleur de voiture a votre voiture, votre address, votre argent, vos clés.
Your house and your identity don't compromise! Its sont très bien organisés, de nombreux automobilistes se sont fait piéger de this façon.
If you travel a paper collé à l'arrière de votre voiture, fermez vos portes de voiture à clé, démarrez et partez.
You can read the paper plus tard. Merci de faire suivre cet email à votre famille et vos friends. A portfolio containing important documents and identification. There is no certainty in the matter in the main mauvaises. SVP transmits the message to all of our friends.


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'

claimFact 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.


If you enjoyed this post and value the importance of well-founded information, become part of the exclusive Mimikama Club! Support our work and help us promote awareness and combat misinformation. As a club member you receive:

📬 Special Weekly Newsletter: Get exclusive content straight to your inbox.
🎥 Exclusive video* “Fact Checker Basic Course”: Learn from Andre Wolf how to recognize and combat misinformation.
📅 Early access to in-depth articles and fact checks: always be one step ahead.
📄 Bonus articles, just for you: Discover content you won't find anywhere else.
📝 Participation in webinars and workshops : Join us live or watch the recordings.
✔️ Quality exchange: Discuss safely in our comment function without trolls and bots.

Join us and become part of a community that stands for truth and clarity. Together we can make the world a little better!

* In this special course, Andre Wolf will teach you how to recognize and effectively combat misinformation. After completing the video, you have the opportunity to join our research team and actively participate in the education - an opportunity that is exclusively reserved for our club members!


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 )