2 January 2007: I can't make it in today

A 21-year-old German woman who did not feel like going to work sent her parents a text message saying she had been kidnapped.

Police in Bavaria said they had launched a massive search throughout the region for the woman who allegedly disappeared but turned up unscathed the following morning, saying the kidnapper had set her free.

A spokesman said the woman had been questioned and admitted she made up the story because she didn't want to go to work.

She now faces a fine of up to 1,000 euros.