Category: Bogus Warnings
Breaking down misleading social media alerts and email scare tactics so readers can recognize digital manipulation.
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Why Viral Warnings Spread So Fast Online
Read more: Why Viral Warnings Spread So Fast Online“Share this immediately.”, “New law just passed.”, “They’re shutting accounts down tonight.”, If you’ve spent more than five minutes online, you’ve seen messages like these. Most are not malicious in…
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Calling #77 or 112 on your Cell Phone will Summon Police
Read more: Calling #77 or 112 on your Cell Phone will Summon PoliceIn a few states calling #77 on a cell phone will immediately connect you to that state’s highway patrol, that code is far from universal. Some states use #77, but…
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Facebook No Swearing Campaign
Read more: Facebook No Swearing CampaignCirculating message purporting to be from Mark Zuckerberg claims that Facebook is set to launch a ‘no swearing campaign’ and that people subsequently caught using profanity on the network will…
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Strawberry Quick Flavored Meth Targeting Kids Hoax
Read more: Strawberry Quick Flavored Meth Targeting Kids HoaxA warning about “Strawberry Quick” meth targeting children has circulated online for years.There is no verified evidence behind the claim.It’s another example of how fear-based messages spread faster than facts.…
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County Sheriffs Department Warning If You Find a Child Crying
Read more: County Sheriffs Department Warning If You Find a Child CryingAccording to this widely circulated message, which purports to be from the “County Sheriffs Department”, women need to be very wary if they find a child crying beside the road…
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Death by Arsenic Poisoning Bogus Warning
Read more: Death by Arsenic Poisoning Bogus WarningPlease read if you eat shrimp…YOU MAY POISON YOURSELF ACCIDENTALLY Health message warns friends and family not to eat shrimp while taking vitamin C because it can cause a chemical reaction that…
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Facebook Social Security Number Hoax
Read more: Facebook Social Security Number HoaxOriginal post 2012Message circulating on Facebook claims that, as an anti-spam measure, users will be required to enter their social security numbers when they login to the network from Expect…
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Deadly Sanitary Pad Hoax
Read more: Deadly Sanitary Pad HoaxA widely shared message has circulated online claiming that certain sanitary pads have caused serious illness or death in women. The message often includes references to hospitals or medical organizations…
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Calls from +375 and +371 Numbers What’s Really Going On
Read more: Calls from +375 and +371 Numbers What’s Really Going OnMessages warning about calls from numbers starting with +375 or +371 have circulated online for years. Most of them claim that if you return the call, you will be charged…
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National Kill A Pit Bull Day
Read more: National Kill A Pit Bull DayWarning message circulating via social media claims that October 31 (Halloween Night) has been designated as “National Kill a Pit Bull Day” and warns dog owners to lock up their…