If a kidnapper forced you to write a letter saying, “I’m okay, I ran away,” how could you secretly signal that you’re in danger without them realizing it?
If a kidnapper forced you to write a letter saying, “I’m okay, I ran away,” how could you secretly signal that you’re in danger without them realizing it?
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I would write the letter in print letters. everyone knows I would write letters in my beautiful cursive penmanship.
Write opposite dominant hand, it’ll be analyzed with your other writing samples
I would write to my parents to remember to take care of the pet dog. He died years ago.
In my case, the use of the word ‘ran’ would be a pretty good indicator.
I’d write just that : “I’m okay, I ran away”. I’m an agoraphobe, noone who actually knows me would believe I’d actually think that the better option is to leave my apartment. Also noone who actually knows me would believe I can be okay.
“I went to Paris”.
Everyone knows I hate Paris.
Hope everything is going well. Everyone here is treating me kindly. Last night I slept fine. Please don’t worry.
I’d write “I’m okay, I ran away.” That phrase has so many red flags it would be instantly obvious.
Ran away from what ?
Something that short ? From me ?
Ran ? When was the last time anyone has seen me run ?
With what money ?
I’m okay ? Well that is a blantant lie if I ever heard it.
And finally my handwriting would be too large so the kidnapper can read it which is an immediate red flag, I always write in microscope scale
I’m not a crazy person (I swear), but husband and I have discussed this and the clue is to mention a dead person or pet. So like “I love and will miss you, please remember to give [current dog] and [deceased dog] their meds on the 15th” or “Please tell [dead grandma] not to worry”
My husband and I have established codes.
Like I’m putting that here! It’s enough my family knows it
I would tell them to give my love to my Dad’s wife.
My close friends and my husband know I can’t stand her.
Well, saying I’m running away is pretty suspect from the start. It’s not like I’m running away from my parent’s house or something. I’m in my 40’s. And what am I running away from? I live alone. Wouldn’t that just be moving out? Except that I left all of my stuff in my old place, which would be very weird. Also, I think my family would know I wouldn’t completely abandon my daughter.
But if you really wanted a secret code or something then I’d probably mention to take care of my daughter, but misname her, or even mention her mom and misname her as well. I just don’t know how much I could help in them finding me though.
In a Hardy Boy book written in the 1930s, a kidnapped college professor was forced to write a letter saying he was okay. He signed the letter substituting “Duress” for his first name.
my gf has a very special spelling of her name which is phonetically a normal common name. so i would just use the wrong spelling of her name
Write slowly and clearly, because all my friends know my handwriting is a dog’s breakfast.
I ran away to the US?
I’d say to tell my wife I’m OK in the letter (I’m unmarried)
For the people who really know me, me writing a letter telling them I ran away would be a red flag all its own.
I’m okay. I’m just going to a red state for a little bit. Isn’t Trump great?
I’d leave out proper punctuation. My family laughs at me because my text messages are near perfect grammatically.
“I’m okay, I ran away.”
I don’t leave my house.
I think the “I’m okay” bit would be enough of a red flag
I’d say “I’m fine”. My husband knows ‘fine’ is not in any way ok.
Id say I ran away to find Jesus
If I was leaving it for my wife I would write that I’m gonna go south cause she knows I despise the heat. I asked her what would tip her off after coming up with my answer and she said anything I say would be suspicious because it’s not something I would do
My wife has a three syllable name that she hates to have shortened. If I called her by the shortened version of her name, she’d know something was wrong.
The fact that I initiated any communication at all would be a red flag.
“I’ve decided I want to adopt a bunch of cats & become a reclusive cat lady, while also starting an all green veggie garden.”
I am very allergic to cats, can’t garden for shit, & absolutely hate most green veggies…excepting like 1 or 2.
I’d just say I have accepted Jesus Christ as my lord and savior.
I would pretend to be religious.
What I’d say
“Mom and Dad:
I’ve gone to clear my mind for a bit. I don’t want you to worry about me but I know you will.You’ll be able to find me where dad and I took our 2016 boy’s week trip after we’d postponed it until October. I know that this isn’t the ideal moment but I’m dealing with one of those step back and look at the big picture issues. I promise I won’t be gone for an eternity. I’ll be gone just long enough to see all that I’ve created in this bigger context. I have one favor to ask while I’m gone. Please water and fertilize my nasturtiums in the bar’s hydroponic garden.
Love,
(My real name)”
Encoded in this innocuous letter are a deliberately and carefully arranged sequence of words that form a request for help that my legally adopted parents would immediately pick up on. It also has a big ol flashing I’m in immediate danger sign built in that would call in the cavalry.
For obvious reasons I will not be sharing what the words are but I will share the I’m in immediate danger giveaway. In October of 2016 I died on the operating table during one of my reconstructive surgeries that was required in the aftermath of the wreck. My legally adopted dad and I didn’t do a boys week that year at all because I was still dealing with the reconstructive surgeries and physical therapy. That’s going to tell them that I’m in immediate and real danger.
My wife and I have agreed to use weird pet names that we would normally never use to indicate we are forced to write this, and to reference dead pets if we think they intend to kill us. If we will be killed immediately after writing the letter, we will mention a dead human relative.
For example if I think I’m going to be trafficked I would write, “honey-baby, I love you so much.” But if I thought I was going to be killed, I would write, “honey-baby, I love you so much. Take good care of (name of dog who died ten years ago) while I’m gone.” If I was going to be killed immediately after writing, “honey-baby, I love you so much. Take good care of (name of dog who died ten years ago) while I’m gone. Tell (her grandpa who died several years ago) I miss him.”
Easy. If my husband could actually read my handwriting, he’d know something was desperately wrong.
I’m ok, I’m at a country music festival.
“I’ve found Jesus.”
Nice try, kidnapper.
I would say I was “With a friend”. Everyone knows I have no friends.
“i found a wonderful man i love and we decided to elope.” I’m a lesbian.
then again, my family are mormon republicans, so they might just thank god for saving their child from sin lmfao
Me being out of the house and away from my dog means it’s against my will.
Is a kidnapper forcing you to write this?
“I’ll think of you when I’m cheering for the Packers.”
FTP
The letter saying “im okay, i Ran away.” I hope would make them realize. I have no reason to run away, and if i would have a reason to run i would not be okay.
“I love you mom, I’m ok”
I fucking despise my mother and an no contact and everyone who knows me knows I won’t even go to her funeral when she dies
I’d write
‘I’m safe, I’m with friends’
sad violin music
“Please hug and kiss our gorgeous kids for me. I love and miss them so much.”
We’re a child free couple.
Considering my family is usually waiting between 6 and 47 business days for a text message reply from me.. I think any note at all would be more than enough to know it wasnt me.