Life in the information age: Hoax sites

Drawbacks to the internet as a source of information

   -It is easy to publish on the internet; anyone across the world can do it.  

   -There are a lot of unscrupulous businesses that have sprung up on the internet to take advantage of people.

   -Another growing problem is that many information providers are finding means of charging for their information that had been previously free.

   -Hackers can create viruses that can get into your personal computer and ruin valuable data.

                       

                                     Examples of fake websites

 

 

            

 

http://www.thedogisland.com/

 

This a fake website about an island where dogs are free to roam and bark and play all day long. Think dog sanctuary and you're there. Contains photographs, a rate card and many other resources.                

http://www.fvza.org/

 

 

 

Clearly nonsensical, but the question is - do these people really believe in what they're saying, and are just nuts, or are they creating a spoof site and they know it?

 

How do you know a site is real?

 

Many websites are scams trying to get money or personal information from honest, hard-working people. Real websites represent legitimate companies.
If there is not a full address with a house number or phone number for the company is most likely it is a hoax website.  Check the copyright date on the website. This is often listed at the bottom of the home page or the contact page. Current dates are more reliable than older dates, although some legitimate websites were created many years ago. Check the website to see if there is a Better Business Bureau logo. These logos indicate that the website owner is an approved member of the BBB.