International Fact-Checking Day 2023: Latest Facebook scams to look out for including missing dog

April 2 marks International Fact-Checking Day, a campaign to encourage people to battle misinformation and disinformation, following a day full of practical jokes and ‘fake news’ making its rounds on social media as people celebrate April’s Fools.

Established by the International Fact-Checking Network, it is a part of a bigger initiative for organisations all around the world to ensure that the information they provide to people throughout the world is accurate.

According to Daysoftheyear, the initiative is to ensure information disseminated is accurate and true, with journalists, educators, legislators, governments, healthcare professionals, advertising, and even regular citizens, all held accountable.

It said: “The goal of International Fact-Checking Day is to raise awareness that everyone has a responsibility to participate in fact-checking and that misconceptions and falsehoods should be exposed by everyone.”

But, the rise of social networking sites like Facebook, has created a barrier to determining what is the truth or false. Due to the vast volume of content, monitoring every post is challenging as any content presented to users could contribute to the spread of disinformation.

According to Full Fact, there are various Facebook scams that people should be aware of, ranging from a lost puppy to a famous restaurant offering a free meal. Although some scams appear to be harmless, there are some that might cost you your personal and even bank account information.

Latest Facebook scams you need to be aware of 

• A missing dog in Bournemouth

A post on Facebook claims a lost dog has been found and appeals for help finding its owner. But this post is a hoax. According to Full Fact, the post appears on a community group for Christchurch and Bournemouth businesses.

It says: “We found this sweet girl by our gate. We just got her checked at a vet. She’s not microchipped. She definitely misses her family. I fed her and I will continue feeding until I find the owner. Please help me find the owner. BUMP THIS POST. [sic]”

A reverse google search found the photo used in the post comes from a genuine post about a lost dog being returned to its owners, posted in a “lost pets” group in Australia in January. Another version of this hoax, with almost identical text, also appeared in a community group in Middletown, US.

• Photo doesn’t show police finding six skeletons in Wales

A Facebook post falsely claims to show a photograph of police in Wales at a scene where they found at least six skeletons. The post, which has over 200 shares, said: “Pontnewydd right now. At least 6 skeletons were confirmed. Police expect more”.

The post appeared on a community buy and sell Facebook group on March 22. Photos accompanying the post show police on a residential street. Gwent Police told Full Fact the claim is “not true” and no skeletons have been found.

A spokesperson for the force said: “The pictures are linked to a story around a cannabis factory.” A press release on Gwent Police’s website says police arrested two men on suspicion of cultivating class-B drugs at a property in Pontnewydd on Wednesday.

• Photo doesn’t show interior of ‘chemtrail plane’

A number of posts shared on Facebook question whether a photo has revealed the interior of a “chemtrail plane”. The posts show what appears to be a large tank on board an aircraft, with the caption: “Does this internet photo show the interior of a chemtrail plane?”

They also highlight a blurred area of writing on the tank, which they say reads, “patent number: 7413145”, claiming this is a patent for: “Systems and Methods For Aerial Dispersion of Material (filed by none other than the CIA’s EVERGREEN AIR)”.