Rose the 87-Year Old College Student: Real or Fake?
A story about an 87-year old college student named Rose is a touching story about life, fulfilling dreams, and growing old. But is the story real or fake? It’s probably fiction. We can neither confirm...
View ArticleEbola Hoaxes, Fake News and Satire: The Big List
With the rise of media attention on the Ebola virus, a slew of fake news stories, hoaxes, and “satirical” pieces have circulated. Today we offer a recap of most of the fake viral stories and hoaxes...
View ArticleIs Bull Semen in Red Bull Energy Drinks?
A long-standing rumor claims that Red Bull (and other energy drinks) contain bull semen. Is this true or false? It’s false. This claim has circulated for many years, and the rumor likely began because...
View ArticleAre Baby Carrots Dangerous to Eat?
An online graphic and associated narrative promotes the dangers of eating baby carrots. Is this true or fake? Today we take a closer look at this rumor. Online Rumor First, let’s take a look at one...
View ArticleCan Laptops Cause Fires?
Did a laptop cause a fatal fire as online rumors have claimed, or is this yet another fake internet story? Today we take a closer look at the story and its implications. History Let’s take a look an...
View ArticleHoaxes and Odd News for October 17, 2014
Today we offer a rundown of fake and bizarre stories circulating online for October 17, 2014. Ebola is a Hoax? A “report” heavily shared on social media, entitled “Ebo-lie” by an author named “Kwame”...
View ArticleKissing Islands of Greenland: Real or Fake?
An image circulating online claims to show the “Kissing Islands” of Greenland. Is this image real or fake? It’s Not Real The image first appeared online in January 2012 and is the work of Italian...
View ArticleHoaxes and Odd News for October 18, 2014
Here is our recap of some of the hottest hoaxes, fake news, and bizarre real stories circulating online for October 18, 2014. More Ebola Hoaxes As we discussed in detail in yesterday’s recap, fake...
View ArticleHoaxes and Odd News for October 19
Here is our daily recap of the hottest fake & odd news, satire, and hoaxes buzzing around social media today. Hot Fake News Featured: Ebola Vaccine Contains RFID Chip Fake news website National...
View ArticleDid Pepsi Omit “Under God” from Patriotic Cans?
Did Pepsi has produce a “Pledge of Allegiance” can with the words “Under God” omitted? It’s not true. This old rumor dates back to 2002, and Dr. Pepper was the original target, not Pepsi. Let’s take a...
View ArticleHoaxes and Odd News for October 20, 2014
A roundup of what is trending on hoaxes, satire, and odd news for October 20, 2014. Featured: Banksy Arrested A hot story circulating Monday morning is the alleged arrest of elusive graffiti artist...
View ArticleObama Did Not Declare “National Muslim Appreciation Month”
A report circulating online claims that President Obama has proclaimed this November to be “National Muslim Appreciation Month.” The story is fake. The article from which this claim originated was...
View ArticleHoaxes and Odd News for October 20, 2014
A one-stop rundown of all the hottest fake news, hoaxes, and odd stories for October 21, 2014. Featured: Dead Man Mistaken for Halloween Prop, and Vice-Versa It didn’t happen in 2014… A “satire” piece...
View ArticleDialing 112 in an Emergency in the U.S.?
A helpful hint shared online claims you can dial 112 to reach emergency services in the US and Canada. Today we’ll take a look at this claim. It is false in most situations. 112 is primarily a European...
View ArticleFake Ebola Poster a Racist Hoax
A poster placed around the UK this week issued an “urgent appeal” to find an immigrant in the area who had tested positive for Ebola. The poster has been deemed a racist hoax. Fake Poster The poster...
View ArticleThree Days of Darkness 2014: Real or Hoax?
Has NASA announced a period of three days of darkness which will occur in December 2014? That is the claim of an internet rumor, but it’s not the first time we’ve seen this story. It’s not true. The...
View ArticlePhoto of Man Punching Dog: Real or Hoax?
A photo showing a man holding a dog against the wall by its neck, threatening the animal with a clenched fist, has circulated for several years. Another image shows the dog buried up to its neck in...
View ArticleStay Away From the Light: The Poltergeist Curse
For some, the mention of scary movies recalls the haunting image of a little blond girl with arms outstretched, hands pressed up against the flickering static of a console television’s screen. The...
View ArticleThe Bill Cosby “I’m Tired” Speech is Not by Bill Cosby
A popularly shared text, often referred to as the “I’m tired” speech is usually attributed to Bill Cosby. Today we’ll take a look at the “I’m tired” speech and its actual origins. It was not written by...
View ArticleWhy People Thought Jack Bruce’s Death was a Hoax
Cream bassist Jack Bruce has died at the age of 71. Some social media users claimed the rocker’s death is a hoax, but these claims are false. Jack Bruce Dies It was confirmed by multiple news sources...
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