15 Of the Most Intriguing and Fantastic Hoaxes That Are Still Circulating Online

By Andrew Alpin, 11 September 2017

In the last year social media has been bombarded with false hoax news that has ranged from weird instructions on Hurricanes to celebrity fake deaths. Take a look at the top 15 hoaxes that were almost like the hottest urban legends of the last few years.

1Hurricane Irma contains sharks

An image supposedly showing a news report did the rounds recently that Hurricane Irma contains sharks in it. That was absolutely false and there is no possibility of such things happening. 

Image Source: www.snopes.com

2 Can the zello phone app work without the internet?

The zello walkie-talkie smartphone app can be used in emergencies but no it cannot work without an internet connection. This is not something magical from Harry Potter but the technology that needs a carrier like internet waves. Zello has been widely used by the Cajun navy in emergency evacuations. 

Image Source: www.snopes.com

3 Must Hotels accept pets during natural disasters?

False reports on Facebook have appeared saying a FEMA law of 2006 requires hotels to keep pets in emergencies. However, the Fema and 2006 pets law allows owners to bring pets into a hotel or motel during weather related evacuations. 

Image Source: www.denverpost.com

4 Did Celine Dion really say I can't even look at an American flag' because 'I hate this country?

It was a click bait news web site who fabricated a controversy involving Celine Dion, Loretta Lynn, Cher, and other female musicians. They turned out to be false and a vendetta against Dion who said no such thing. 

Image Source: www.snopes.com

5 Should you open windows during a hurricane?

All those who feel this old wives tale has an element of truth should get ready to be blown away. Windows should be TIGHTLY SHUT during a hurricane or storm because what enters also needs to exit and it can blow open your roof or any weak point in the house. 

Image Source: www.snopes.com

6 Pepsi/Frooti contaminated with HIV?

Among the top hoaxes were rumors saying both these drinks were contaminated with aids by a worker through injecting infected blood into the manufacturing process of a certain batch. It was well and truly FALSE. 

Image Source: www.aarthiknews.com

7 Paint thinner' trisodium phosphate found in cereals?

Trisodium phosphate is commonly used as a safe additive used in sparingly in various foods, it is not a form of 'paint thinner.’ Such rumors have been circulating since the 50’s. TSP is usually used along with other ingredients as a leavening agent to make dough rise. 

Image Source: www.naturalsociety.com

8The Red Cross prevented 400 hamburgers from getting to Harvey victims

A viral post vaguely described how Red Cross volunteers disallowed serving hamburgers to victims. When they were contacted for verification, their said that the incident did occur but the volunteers were trained in food safety and were following procedures in the best interests of the victims however the burgers were eventually served. 

Image Source: www.ytimg.com

9Did Congress 'quietly' pass a bill allowing warrantless searches of homes?

The report was disturbingly circulated by false websites. The legislation does not in any way allow US authorities to conduct a search without a warrant. Several such rumors have the potential to cause civil unrest and are dangerous too. 

Image Source: www.wakingtimesmedia.com

10Sylvester Stallone didn't die

This was a scam reported in August 2016 that Sylvester Stallone expired. In fact, Facebook saw several similar messages that had killed off actors like Vin Diesel, Mr. Bean, the Rock, Nicholas Cage, Angelina Jolie, John Cena and Jaden Smith. 

 

Image Source: www.snopes.com

11Sargento brand cheese recalled in August or September 2017?

Sargento Cheese was said to be the latest victim of a Zombie recall as a result of outdated consumer warnings circulated long after the problems were resolved. In February 2017, 14 varieties were recalled but this news still circulated in Sept 2017 as clickbait for websites. 

Image Source: www.syracuse.com

12Trump saved two cats after Hurricane Harvey?

A viral photo showing President Trump saving two cats in Hurricane Harvey was false. It turned out to be a photoshopped image of a man rescuing two cats from floods in Iowa in June 2008. He was identified as Brandon Smith. 

Image Source: www.business2community.com

13Entering your Pin in reverse will summon the police

No it won’t!! False images on social media were circulated showing if you were robbed in an ATM just enter your pin in reverse. There has never been any such reverse PIN technology implemented in any ATM across the world.

Image Source: www.snopes.com

14Should you store valuables in the dishwasher during a hurricane?

Twitter and social media messages appeared saying a dishwasher is like a waterproof safe sealed to keep water in which means it can keep out water too. THIS IS FALSE. If your home is flooded, your dishwasher will be flooded too. 

Image Source: www.snopes.com

15The city of Sacramento is paying gang members $1.5 million to stop killing

This is a purported and falsified version of the actual truth and among top hoaxes where the city of Sacramento has indeed teamed up with an NGO and will fund it that amount for creating programs to help end gun violence.

Image Source: www.legalinsurrection.com


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