“In Case I Go Missing” Binder: Internet Divided 23 Jan 2022

[imstilla.grandma]

While being kidnapped or going missing is something which affects a very small percentage of the population, it's nonetheless a very real fear.

In a bid to help authorities if the unthinkable was ever to happen to her, a woman shared her "in case I go missing" file, filled with everything from passwords to her fingerprints.

A TikTok clip, captioned "In case I go missing" has been watched more than 6 million times since being posted on Sunday, and can be seen here.

In a follow-up video, posted later that day, a detailed list of what to include was shared with followers, as an automated voice said: "What to include in your in case I go missing binder."
Woman creates "In case I go missing" folder which divides the internet

 

[AC's Grandma]

I would not have even thought of putting together an "In case I go missing" folder however when I was diagnosed with cancer in 11/2020 I put together a document with all the information that would be needed for someone to access all my accounts and what was important. It includes much more than just my passwords. I did this because for one reason - my husband wouldn't have a clue where to begin and my daughter would have to take over everything to close accounts, notify people, etc.
Yes, if someone who shouldn't got their hands on it I could have significant issues but it is what it is, that's life.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Iowa currently has something interesting going on.

Roughly 400 people are missing each day in the state of Iowa, people who are brothers, sisters, mothers or sons, all without their family members.

Yet, only 74 people on that database have a photo attached to their name and information.

House Study Bill 597, introduced Tuesday, wants to change that. If passed, the bill would amend the law to allow a police agency to share driver's license photos in missing persons cases, including on the Iowa Missing Person Information Clearinghouse.

Right now, DOT can share a driver's license photo with police, but the database can only share a photo if the police agency in charge of the case allows the Iowa Department of Public Safety to do so.
After KCCI report, Iowa bill filed to make sure a photo is included for everyone on state missing persons database

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Viral 'In case I go missing' book divides TikTok

 

[mickey2942]

With identity theft and fraud so pervasive in the United States, sharing any type of personal information puts you at risk for identity theft.

 

[PhoebeTries]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the idea is to share the folder online or with strangers. It's a hardcopy folder you keep somewhere safe for LE or loved ones to find if you are missing. People that would solely touch it if something had happened to you. I think it's a good idea and believe the Crime Junkie girls have spoken about it previously.
I have my Google password somewhere available to my partner should anything happen to me so he can as a minimum my activity without waiting for warrants or death certificates and such.
JMO

 

[imstilla.grandma]

TikTok videos featuring binders designed to store DNA, fingerprints, and other personal information have received millions of views.

But a lot of viewers were critical of the concept, suggesting it was playing off irrational fears, romanticizing the idea of being a crime victim, and offering counterproductive advice. A number of users stitched the videos, reuploading clips and adding their commentary.

One such video, created by a TikToker who goes by @frogmommyyy and said they have a degree in criminology, told viewers not to follow the creator's advice, labeling it "weird" and "bad for your mental health."

Another TikToker, who goes by @bexhype, cautioned viewers against publicizing their personal details online, while @saint.cleo compared the behavior to that of doomsday preppers.

• A binder filled with DNA and personal details "in case I go missing" has gone viral on TikTok.
• The idea originates from a popular true-crime podcast, but it has faced criticism from audiences.
• Law enforcement say it could be useful, but the risks may outweigh the potential benefits.
• 'In case I go missing' binders keep going viral among true-crime fans, who advocate for storing DNA and personal information 'just in case'

 

[imstilla.grandma]

‘I added more hair to my “if I go missing binder”…apparently for DNA to be used from hair samples, it not only needs to be taken from the root, but it needs to include the follicle too…I plucked about twenty. I’m not sure I can do much more to help authorities in case I go missing but I hope they’ll never need this,’ says Jenny of @savor.it.all on TikTok, while adding to a binder titled ‘if I go missing’.

The hashtag #ifigomissingfile currently has 26.4million views on TikTok – a trend that has been soaring since ‘Crime Junkie’ host Ashley Flowers mentioned the folders on her podcast – with countless videos of women sharing details of the files they have created to help family members and authorities piece together evidence if they go missing. The files contain samples of anything, from hair, fingerprints, handwriting and photos of tattoos to a list of exes and daily schedules. The fact that only women seem to be doing this is a terrifying insight into where womens' heads are at right now.

Women on the internet are making ‘if I go missing folders’ as they lose trust in the system - and it's terrifying

The hashtag #ifigomissingfile currently has 26.4million views on TikTok.

www.glamourmagazine.co.uk

 

[AliceInPain]

To me this sounds more like self-obsession than fear something will happen to them.
Also, I don't think keeping everything in one place like that is very safe either, it's more likely they'll meet an abusive partner who'll get their hands on it and burns it, or get burglarized and lose it to a criminal who'll use it for something nefarious, than go missing. imo.
I share my passwords with my safe person, have my DNA on GEDmatch, my dentist have x-rays of my teeth, my hairbrush and toothbrush is in the bathroom if needed... etc...
jmo.

 

[ifindedout]

Nail clippings might be better than hair:

Human Nail Clippings as a Source of DNA for Genetic Studies

Blood samples have traditionally been used as the main source of DNA for genetic analysis. However, this source can be difficult in terms of collection, transportation, and long-term storage. In this study, we investigated whether human nail clippings ...

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

More recent, certainly easier reading:

DNA Testing Continues to Evolve |

We’re all familiar with DNA evidence being collected from crime scenes. Whether it’s on NCIS, CSI or Dexter, a crime scene investigator’s role is to

www.medgadget.com

 

[shinimeggie]

I hate to say it, but this sounds more performative to me than anything else.

Maybe because they shared it online when its very existence should only be shared with those closest and most trusted by this person.

 

[cuffem]

I have one for family in case I drop dead. I realized this after my sister passed and was not found for days and no one could contact me nor could I access any of her devices or accounts to take care of her property.

 

[Lilibet]

I have one for family in case I drop dead. I realized this after my sister passed and was not found for days and no one could contact me nor could I access any of her devices or accounts to take care of her property.

I had been working on an information file for my dh and daughter after a health scare a year ago, but hadn’t finished it. Recently our daughter emailed us with a list of questions and asked us to provide “end of life” info to her and give her contact info to local friends. She had started her own info packet after losing her grandfather a few months ago. That request lit a fire under me to get going and finish the project, daunting as it is.

 

[?!?]

I have one for family in case I drop dead. I realized this after my sister passed and was not found for days and no one could contact me nor could I access any of her devices or accounts to take care of her property.

Well done.

I advocate a Personal Contingency Plan to cover such things as missing, incapacitated or deceased...but don't ask if I've done one for myself....