Modern search and rescue tools actually do send a text with a link to ping your exact location. The text is intended to be customized to the situation so they know it is legit.
Clark, your mother Martha is worried about you. You are not in trouble. Please contact Metropolis PD to let us know you are safe, or click this link to share your location so we can come get you.
If I saw that show up on my phone then I would immediately assume that there’s a warrant out for my arrest. That message would be more likely to get me to huck my phone in a stream than click the link.
Modern search and rescue tools actually do send a text with a link to ping your exact location. The text is intended to be customized to the situation so they know it is legit.
Clark, your mother Martha is worried about you. You are not in trouble. Please contact Metropolis PD to let us know you are safe, or click this link to share your location so we can come get you.
If I saw that show up on my phone then I would immediately assume that there’s a warrant out for my arrest. That message would be more likely to get me to huck my phone in a stream than click the link.
That’s your prerogative. Nobody is making you get saved. It’s not illegal to be missing.
At least you know that folks are looking for you and can make a decision based on that info.
But if you were actually injured and/or stuck somewhere, you might be inclined to click that link (or call your mother.)
I know this trick, it’s a virus
Nice try hungry bear.