The Madman with a Hook for a Hand (Halloween Urban Legends)

You’re a blossoming adolescent and your hormones are raging, so naturally you’d welcome the chance to make out with someone in a car after a Halloween party. But according to this tale, it may be best to keep one hand on the ignition. The story goes that while two young lovers are swapping spit, a news story comes on over the radio detailing the story of a woman who was murdered nearby. The culprit? A madman, escaped from a nearby insane asylum, with a hook for a hand. Then the teens hear a scratching along the car's exterior. Scriiitch ... Scriiitch. Against all reason, they get out to investigate and—well I'm sure you know how this will end.

The hookman tale is a classic urban legend, dating back to at least the early-1950s. In some instances, the teens escape before the killer sinks his hook into them; in other tellings, they're not so lucky. While it's nothing more than a ghost story that doubles as a cautionary tale about teen sexuality, the hookman legend may have some connection to fact—real-life lovers' lane slayings likely contribute to its longevity, while the Texarkana Murders are said to have inspired the hookman legend. 

Source: https://the-line-up.com/halloween-urban-legends

Acid Tattoos and Ecstasy Masquerading as Candy (Halloween Urban Legends)

You’re getting very sleepy, and very … trippy. This myth, a variation of the poisoned candy claims outlined above, purports that a different kind of foreign substance may be lurking in your kiddo's candy haul: Specifically, temporary tattoos laced with LSD and ecstasy pills masquerading as candy. 

Parents should watch out for houses handing out looseleaf gummies or brightly colored sweets or anything meant to be applied directly onto the skin—because surely the intent is to send your child down the rabbit hole permanently. These myths are nothing new, and while they usually crop up every Halloween, there is virtually no evidence to suggest they're based in fact. 

Source: https://the-line-up.com/halloween-urban-legends

Corrupted Candy (Halloween Urban Legends)

The common saying “don’t take candy from strangers” dates back to the abduction of Charley Ross in 1874, who was lured into a horse-drawn carriage with a treat and never seen again. So while there is an ounce of truth to the saying, not all candy is out to do evil. 

Still, the annual rumors persist and run the gamut—from razor blades hidden inside candy apples to candy corn laced with arsenic. While poisoned candy remains in the realm of urban legend, instances of sharp objects concealed inside foodstuffs and handed out during Halloween have occurred. Moral of the story? Be cautious with your sweets.

Source: https://the-line-up.com/halloween-urban-legends