Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre wishes to inform the public on the truth behind a recent social media rumor involving a white dot or sticker found on a vehicle windshield. The rumor suggests that these are used by sex traffickers to target certain vehicles and families. The reality, though, is this is a common practice used by companies providing services to car dealerships. There is currently NO intelligence or evidence to suggest these dots and stickers are being used by sex traffickers.

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has confirmed local car dealerships in Lafourche and Terrebonne utilize service companies to photograph vehicles for their websites. At least one company uses small, white, rectangular stickers to track which vehicles have already been photographed. These particular stickers are weatherproof and water-resistant meaning they would likely remain on the vehicle even after several washings. Physically removing the sticker from the windshield is the only way to remove it. Similar tactics are used by other companies who service vehicles at dealerships. Instead of a sticker, some use dabs of paint, for example.

“We have received calls from several concerned citizens after finding a sticker on their vehicle after reading the rumor on social media,” said Sheriff Webre. “The reality is the sticker or dot is inconspicuous enough that you likely haven’t noticed it.”

“While we have found the source of this rumor, we are not suggesting anyone let your guard down,” added Sheriff Webre. “All citizens would be wise to be cautious and aware of your surroundings at all times, especially when you are with your family, and especially during the holiday shopping season ahead. We’re simply informing you there is no evidence to suggest there is any truth to these rumors.”