CNN will aggressively investigate THIS hoax.
CNN will aggressively investigate this hoax.
Tag Archives: hoax
Your Cell Can Make Popcorn POP?
Can a mobile phone cook popcorn? Yeah I’m calling BS on this video because the manic “talking over each other” seems contrived. Nonetheless, it was enough to spook my wife, sister, and their friends.
So I feel obliged to spread the rumor (see video), even if Spopes has put that one in the “false” category.
It’s 2009 people. Check Snopes or Urband Legend sites before spreading this stuff.
Michael Jackson Is Still Alive… Hoax or Hoax?
Captured by LiveLeak, here’s the “King of Pop” sneaking out of the coroner van (see below).
We believe it. I mean, there’s video proof.
Okay, maybe not. Top 8 Reasons to Determine this is a Hoax:
- No “real” news pickup… even the tabloids. Not even Snopes!
- Indignant post by Ben Parr, tech reporter (mashable).
- Van is allegedly not the same.
- The driver doesn’t bother looking to see if anyone is watching. We kinda think he might have noticed a cameraman and used the van to cover the exit.
- The camera is suspiciously amateurish… with its deliberate push/pulls to show the gate.
- No audio gasps from the camera person, or even the slightest attempt to sneak under gate for what would be a paparazzi’s wet dream.
- The furious comments on AssociatedContent.
- Oh- then there’s this Examiner article that claims CNN reports it was a confessed hoax by German TV Station RTL. Not much online to back that up, but here’s a Polish newspaper (translated) that supports it.
The Google Money Tree
My sister is doing a story on the Google Money Tree, and I thought I’d write about it — if for no other reason — to scoop her and her “big media.”
I hadn’t heard of it before, so I googled it. Seems it’s a scam that locks you into a regular fee, and cost you to cancel. In fact the FTC tracked it down (see official site). The scammers claimed they were with Google, and had a way to make $100,000 in a year. Of course they didn’t tell you you’d be charged $72.21 a month.
Since the Google Money Tree’s website is surely gone (or at least not spidered by Google), here’s all you need to know: The FTC charge.
You know, instead of trying to get rich from a Google Money Tree scam, I suggest just making a donation to me. You’re guaranteed to receive no service or product in return, but also be free from any scams, additional upsells, or life-time membership dues. Plus if you go for the most-popular “Gold” level plan ($20) you’re likely to receive good luck within 2-3 days.
Cambridge Who’s Who: Is it a Scam? My Story on Video.
The other day I had the funniest adventure dealing with Cambridge’s Who’s Who. I chronicled it in this absurdly long (10 minute) video. I really thought this video would die a quick death even though I had terrific fun making it (and I watched it four times, giggling like a grade child in Church).
Much to my surprise, it’s now the second highest rated comedy video of the day on YouTube. I imagine that rating is from sympathy votes because people like a “scam” exposed. Certainly it’s not the production quality, as I shot it in one take using a cheap camera with horrible pixelation.
Here’s a nice blog post that explores the validity of the Cambridge “Who’s Who” offering, which boasts a free listing. After a lengthy interview, the “mark” is told they “rank,” and asked if they want the $600 or $800 package. It’s a rather bazaar experience. Here’s the official site of Cambridge, which according to the telemarketer has 25 million visits and 250,000 “members.” Hmm.
The kicker is that my credit card had maxed out (as I chronicle in this follow-up video) so I was spared the charge. But I can’t help but wonder if other people have had positive experiences with Cambridge, or if people feel as suckered as I would have felt had my Mastercard not exceeded its balance.
One of my favorite things about online video is the accountability it can provide consumers. Can scams continue if people are brave enough to admit to being duped, and broadcast it to others?