People often question how useful social media is but one woman is indebted to her TikTok followers as she claims they saved her life.
Jade Jules, 27, spotted an odd symbol written in the snow outside of her home and initially didn’t think much of it.
However, it was odd enough that she felt the need to make a video showing the ‘1F’ symbol that was written in the snow covering the lid of a black trash can outside her home on January 12, 2021.
After asking users on TikTok what the symbol meant, she was terrified to read what some social media users were suggesting.
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Hundreds of TikTokers suggested she had been targeted by gangs in the area and the ‘1F’ sign is often drawn by gang members outside of the homes of single females living alone.
It supposedly lets other gang members working in the area know that a woman is an easy target for crimes such as robberies, sex trafficking and rape.
Jade, a student from St John's in Newfoundland, Canada, reported the symbol to police, who confirmed what the social media users had suspected.
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Feeling 'terrified', she then fled to the safety of her mother's house.
Jade said: "My followers definitely saved my life.
"I was going out to put the trash out and that's when I saw it. I took out my phone, recorded it and posted it on TikTok because I had zero clue on what it meant.
"I thought people on TikTok would know and help me, which they did. I'm very thankful for everyone who helped me.
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"I was terrified. I thought someone did it as a joke or something, but then all the comments and messages came in so my mom came and got me. I packed some stuff and haven't been home since.
"She's actually going to move in with me at that house so we are planning to go back sometime this week.
"It's been very scary, I have not been home since as I am terrified. I have no idea who did it or why they did it but I've done everything I can.
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"I called the cops, took off the writing and left home. I've bought cameras for the house, I don't know what else to do.
"The police couldn't do anything because there were no suspects and I had no clue who or what it was so they just wiped off the bin and told me to stay safe and if I can leave for a few days to do that, so that's what I did."
She added: "People in the comments of my videos are saying it means one female. Apparently it's used for kidnapping and sex trafficking and break ins. I'm not sure what it meant in my situation, but if all that is true, then I'm scared about what could have happened.
"I'm beyond grateful for everyone that commented and messaged me telling me to stay safe and be careful and to not post my whereabouts. My followers really saved me."
Topics: TikTok, Social Media, Community
Gerrard Kaonga