Thursday, 21 September 2017

Dead Sharks Washing Ashore In Pismo Beach, California Is Fake News


Reports that several dead sharks washed ashore in Pismo Beach, California, causing the beach to close, are false. Rumors that beachgoers found the bodies of a dozen sharks scattered across the sand stemmed from a prank news website.


According to Hoax Alert, the fake claim originated on React 365, a prank news website that allows users to trick their friends by creating hoaxes. The article claimed that Pismo Beach was closed after local beachgoers discovered that a dozen sharks had washed ashore. It purported:


On September 20, 2017, local beach goers discovered roughly about a dozen dead sharks washed up ashore in Pismo Beach, California. People are very nervous and confused on how and/or why this happened. Lifeguards immediately told swimmers and surfers to exit the beach due to contamination from the sharks, until local law enforcement arrived on the scene. There will be more information released upon more investigation. Pismo Beach is closed until further notice.


The report, however, is entirely fabricated. The image used in the fake report actually shows dozens of bull sharks that were found dead on Mobile Bay in Alabama last year. Additionally, Pismo Beach is not closed; only the pier is currently shut down due to a rehabilitation project that is expected to be completed by spring 2019.




The San Luis Obispo Tribune reports that Pismo Beach City Manager Jim Lewis said of the fake report, “It’s upsetting that fake news sites exist to create havoc. Pismo Beach is in great shape; it’s a beautiful day to be here.” The fabricated story was still shared thousands of times.


React365, a user-generated hoax website, states in their disclaimer that their articles should not be taken seriously:


This website is an entertainment website, news are created by users. These are humourous news, fantasy, fictional, that should not be seriously taken or as a source of information.


Users need only create a title, write a short description and upload an image to generate a prank news article on React365 and similar hoax websites. These stories often end up going viral on social media due to their deceptive nature. While the pranks can seem innocent enough, Facebook users who share them can sometimes fall victim to “like-farming” scammers, which can put their personal information and computer at risk.



Here are some examples of people sharing the fake story on social media:


Social Media Shares Fake Story about Dead Sharks Washing Ashore In Pismo Beach










Have you seen the fake story about dead sharks washing ashore in Pismo Beach, California circulating social media? What are your thoughts on prank news websites? Sound off in the comments section below!



Source: B2C
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