Detailed Analysis This supposed warning message is circulating rapidly via social media and email. The message circulates as a screen-shot of a letter purporting to be from security company Chubb. The message warns motorists not to flash their headlights at cars driving with no lights on. According to the message, driving without lights is part of a Bloods gang member initiation. Supposedly, new gang members are required to drive around with no headlights on until another vehicle flashes them and then follow the vehicle and shoot and kill all its occupants. The warning adds that new Bloods members across the nation will be driving around on Friday and Saturday nights as part of this initiation game. Thankfully, however, the warning has no factual basis whatsoever. There have been no reports of crimes like the one described in the warning and no such gang initiation ritual is taking place. There are no credible news or media reports about such activity other than those dismissing it as a hoax. In fact, this warning is just the latest in a very long line of fake warnings that have circulated for more than twenty years. It began circulating via email and fax back in 1993 and may have originated from even earlier stories involving motorcycle gangs. It was also given a boost by the 1998 film Urban Legend which featured the initiation ritual described. In 2004, another version of the hoax targeted Londoners. Then, in 2005, the story again emerged, this time masquerading as a warning from Canadas RCMP. There have also been Australian, New Zealand and South African versions of he hoax. Chubb South Africa has published a statement on its website noting that the message did not originate with them and that they do not endorse or support the claims in the message. As the folllowing1998 example reveals, the bogus warning has changed little over the years: A police officer working with the DARE program has issued this warning: If you are driving after dark and see an on-coming car with no headlights on, DO NOT FLASH YOUR LIGHTS AT THEM! This is a common gang member initiation game that goes like this: The new gang member under initiation drives along with no headlights, and the first car to flash their headlights at him is now his target. He is now required to turn around and chase that car, and shoot at or into the car in order to complete his initiation requirements. Make sure you share this information with all the drivers in your family! The story has been repeatedly dismissed as a hoax by police, emergency services, and news reports all around the world. Reposting this false warning will achieve nothing other than to cause needless fear and alarm in communities and waste the time of law enforcement staff who must field ongoing queries about the myth. If you receive this message, please do not repost it. And please take the time to let the original poster know that the claims in the message are false.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Nov 2013 13:12:12 +0000
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